Balancing Multiple Roles as a Leader

with Sara Canaday

Role Activity Assessment

To determine how well you are balancing your different roles as a leader, increase your awareness about
the diverse activities you perform within each category.

Manager
• Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work
• Helps each stakeholder understand strategies, tactics, and intended outcomes
• Ensures compliance with established control systems, rules and standards
• Uses a set of strategically important measures to determine the ongoing success (or failure) of the team
• Holds self and others accountable for results that are high quality, cost-effective and timely
• Accepts responsibility for team mistakes

Subject Matter Expert

• Serves as a key resource and technical advisor to others
• Provides expertise as a consultant to external managers on complex matters
• Makes sound recommendations to develop effective work products
• Resolves technical problems with innovative approaches
• Interacts with staff to help increase their understanding of technical job responsibilities
• Provides employees with feedback and support on technical issues
• Uses strategic measures to determine the success of the team

Coach
• Develops positive relationships with team members to build a level of mutual trust
• Works to identify untapped potential in each employee and suggests appropriate training and education
• Recommends developmental assignments to staff members based on career interests, work-unit needs,
and organizational goals
• Provides constructive feedback, guidance, and reinforcement to employees regarding job performance
• Guides team members to explore alternatives and find their own solutions rather than giving them
the answers
• Encourages employees to participate in programs that will expand their perspective, utilize their untapped
potential, and align with their long-term goals

Change Agent
• Accurately assesses the broader impact of change across an organization and within a specific team
• Solicits feedback from employees in the creation of new initiatives and programs
• Displays creativity by questioning the status quo and deviating from traditional methods
• Consistently provides the rationale behind change initiatives, change in direction, or new approaches

Balancing Multiple Roles as a Leader with Sara Canaday

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 • Considers the perspective of those most impacted by uncertainty and change, using that information to
better design and enroll others in the change process
• Reevaluates current processes and suggests improvements to ensure an effective, streamlined transition to
new operational structures
• Collaborates with coworkers to infuse innovative concepts and habits

Motivator
• Creates an environment where others are inspired to learn, produce, and excel
• Acts as a positive and motivational force in the workplace
• Maintains composure in difficult situations and helps employees see opportunities in the midst of a crisis
• Communicates in a way that encourages team members to work consistently toward goals
• Influences employee engagement and commitment at the highest levels
• Rallies the troops and charges forward, even against the odds

Ambassador
• Represents the company at conferences, industry meetings, and customer site visits
• Adopts a united front or supportive stance on behalf of the executive team
• Promotes the goodwill of the organization in corporate and civic activities
• Reflects the company brand and “point of view” to external constituents/stakeholders
• Builds effective networks inside and outside of the organization
• Advocates for subordinates with upper management, hearing appeals or defending following requests
• Connects clients to others who may be able to serve their various needs
• Helps to attract top talent to the company

Visionary
• Maintains a deep awareness about the industry (standards, new developments, and best practices), markets,
customer needs, the competitive landscape, the economy, and the business climate
• Intentionally sets aside time to think about big-picture opportunities
• Works to understand employee needs in the context of strategic decisions
• Initiates and designs strategies for long-term projects to benefit the organization
• Incorporates employee feedback for ideas on accomplishing new goals and objectives
• Effectively communicates the vision and mission of the organization to employees and stakeholders
• Creates excitement among the team for working to achieve the larger vision

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