Thriving Through Change: From Manager to True Leader
What does it take to transition from being a manager to becoming a true leader? In this enlightening conversation, Lena M. Wilson, a seasoned transition coach, multi-time author, and CEO of Real Inspiration LLC, sheds light on her 25+ years of corporate HR experience and shares her journey of self-growth, empowerment, and impactful leadership. If you’re navigating transitions in your career or personal life, this post is your ultimate guide to embracing change and thriving through uncertainty.
From Teller to Transformational Leader: Lena’s Journey
Lena’s career began humbly as a bank teller at SunTrust Bank. Her high performance quickly earned her a management role, where she led a team of 40 people. However, like many first-time managers, she entered the role without leadership training, realizing that being a high performer wasn’t enough to make her a great leader. “I didn’t even understand or grasp how to be a good leader in that role because I didn’t get any training,” she recalls.
Her hunger for growth, however, drove her to take initiative. From seeking mentorship to exploring leadership resources, Lena began developing skills that transitioned her from a tactical manager to an empowering leader. Fast forward to today, Lena is an executive coach helping individuals and organizations navigate career, organizational, and personal transitions with clarity and confidence.
Manager vs. Leader: Understanding the Difference
Are you managing tasks or leading people? Lena defines the critical distinction: “A manager is tactical, while a leader empowers.”
- Managers: Focus on task completion, often micromanaging due to a lack of trust or training. They might struggle with adaptability and lead with less empathy.
- Leaders: Create environments of psychological safety, empower their teams, and lead with emotional intelligence. They are adaptable, empathetic, and focus on growth, innovation, and inspiring their teams.
Lena emphasizes that leaders must be self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and resilient. “A good leader leads their team through change, even if they themselves are struggling with it,” she explains. They create a culture of trust, value feedback, and adapt to transitions with grace and vision.
Embracing Change with the Transition Blueprint
Change can be daunting, but Lena’s six-pillar Transition Blueprint offers a clear pathway to thrive through transitions:
- Reframe Your Mindset: Shift from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What can this teach me?”
- Regulate Your Emotions: Manage emotions to avoid reactionary responses and foster rational decision-making.
- Rebuild Your Resilience: Cultivate the ability to bounce back stronger from challenges.
- Realign Your Goals: When the “why” changes, adjust your goals to stay aligned with your purpose.
- Reclaim Your Confidence: Focus on strengths and develop the skills needed to navigate unfamiliar territory.
- Reignite Your Momentum: Maintain follow-up and accountability to sustain progress.
Lena often reminds her clients, “Change is inevitable, but growth is optional.” With the right mindset, tools, and support, leaders can transform uncertainty into opportunities for growth and success.
Actionable Takeaways for Aspiring Leaders
Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned executive, Lena shares practical steps to elevate your leadership skills:
- Seek Mentorship: Identify a strong leader you admire and ask for guidance. Be intentional and offer value in return.
- Step into Uncomfortable Spaces: Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Attend conferences, network, and engage with people who inspire you.
- Prioritize Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your team and view it as a tool for growth, not criticism.
- Communicate with Empathy: Over-communicate during times of change and lead with transparency and compassion.
- Focus on Self-Care: Leadership begins with showing up as your best self. Prioritize your mental and physical well-being.
Lena’s powerful message is clear:
Leadership isn’t about holding a title; it’s about empowering others, embracing change, and constantly striving for growth. “Be committed to becoming a better leader,” she says. “Practice self-compassion, listen to feedback, and embrace transitions as opportunities to thrive.”
Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Connect with Lena M. Wilson on LinkedIn or explore her resources at LenaMWilson.com. Start implementing her Transition Blueprint and discover the leader you were meant to be.
What’s one leadership principle you’ll adopt today? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 😊
Check out this full episode of The Leadership Toolkit podcast with Lena M. Wilson on Spotify, my YouTube Channel, Or click to watch below.
Check out past episodes of The Leadership Toolkit on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform!
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Our host, Mike Phillips is a seasoned leadership educator and expert. He has a knack for extracting the most valuable insights from his guests. His passion for helping individuals reach their leadership potential shines through in every episode. Thank you for reading and watching. Please share this with someone who needs this message today!
