I have just been promoted to lead five people. What is the best way to develop my own management style?
One tried and true approach is to testdrive a few management styles and see what works. Surely, you have a notion of how you want to lead. Use that style first, then tweak it relentlessly as you see its impact. Are your people motivated? Are your results hitting the mark?
Second, seek mentors everywhere. If you know someone inside your company or out who hires well, pick his brain every chance you get. If you see someone give a great speech, follow up to ask for advice. Consider magazines and books mentors, too, along with training courses of every sort. In short, resist the standard advice to make one person your ultimate role model. Be open to learning from everyone, everywhere—and before you know it, people will be learning from you.
This question and answer originally appeared in Business Week magazine on March 03, 2008.
Back to top