To Be or Not to Be a Leader: That Is the Question

To Be or Not to Be a Leader: That Is the Question

By Dr. Nicol Nicola, New Jersey Department of Labor, Adjunct Professor and Leadership Facilitator

Becoming a leader is a significant decision, one that should be carefully considered. People may pursue management roles because they feel they deserve it or have earned it through technical expertise. However, applying for a managerial position requires more than just experience; it requires a shift in mindset. Here are three key questions to consider before stepping into a management role:

1. Can You Stay Calm Even Through the Storm?

A leader’s role is to remain calm during crises, showing the team that you can handle adversity. This calmness helps create an environment where every credible voice on the team feels heard. Developing this skill takes time and experience, but it is crucial for effective leadership.

2. Can You Focus on the Problem, Then the Solution?

When a crisis arises, a leader must be able to focus on the problem at hand and then pivot toward finding a solution. For example, when my team called me about a significant issue, I was able to stay calm and guide them to focus on how to solve the problem rather than dwelling on it. We resolved the issue in five minutes. My composed response helped ease their anxiety and reminded everyone that our focus should be on solutions, not problems.

3. Can You Resolve the Crisis Efficiently?

Time is valuable. A manager must address problems as quickly and efficiently as possible, avoiding prolonged crisis modes. It’s important to have a plan of action and execute it, rather than getting stuck in a cycle of complaining or overanalyzing. For example, if one of my staff members—let’s say Elias—starts complaining about an issue, I listen to their concerns, then remind them that we have many important things to accomplish.

Bottom Line:

These three key skills—staying calm, focusing on solutions, and resolving crises efficiently—are essential in determining whether you’re ready to take on a leadership role.