While I was at Phoenix Raceway in Arizona working on a documentary, a colleague asked me a very simple question: “Do you like managing people?”
I responded yes, but the more I thought about my answer, the more I realized that my enjoyment of managing a team of people and being the person in charge depends on the situation.
Working Under Great Leadership
Managing a team of people, problem-solving and finding ways to achieve excellence is rewarding, but I also don’t mind being number two.
There are moments when I'm working under great leadership where I believe my experience as a leader makes me a better person to have in the number two position. My understanding of what it takes to be the point guy allows me to anticipate what they might need, ask the right questions and help carry out their vision without fighting for control.
Knowing When to Step In
There have been plenty of times throughout my career when I’ve intervened privately because the person in charge wasn’t handling something well. It’s important to note I’m not intervening to take credit, gain control of a creative decision or prove my intelligence. Sometimes a person managing a team can misread a situation, overlook a detail or make a decision without realizing how it might affect the people involved.
Making a mistake isn’t what determines the quality of a leader. How they respond when someone brings that mistake to their attention says much more.
Working Duos
From experience, I’ve found that having two people who are both capable of leading but are willing to hand over control when the situation calls for it can be one of the best combinations. You have two people who understand the responsibilities of being the point person, can anticipate problems, challenge each other’s ideas, and recognize when the other person has a better approach. Neither is fighting for control or worried about who gets credit. They’re both focused on achieving the best possible outcome.
A Strength I Overlooked
What started as a simple question about whether I enjoy managing people led me to a realization about myself. I've always known I was capable of leading, but I never fully recognized just how valuable it is to know when to take the lead and when to be led.
Question of the day
Have you ever worked with someone who made you enjoy being number two more than being in charge? What made that working relationship so good?