Overview
In September of 2022, someone 2022, someone asked me [Sahil], “how do you evaluate/determine whether someone is a good fit for a leadership role?” The answer is one I am putting here as I believe it can help determine whether an individual is a good fit for a leadership role and where they may have opportunities to improve. This guide is also intended to be visible to allow for self-reflection.
A little bit about my own experience…
For the past eight-ish years, I’ve been fortunate to have run several organizations of varying sizes, scopes, and missions - doing so has allowed me to learn a lot about the differences between running a scrappy 3-person team to an organization with thousands of individuals. Of the three above-listed factors that I use to describe organizations, I’ve come to the opinion that the primary factor that alters my opinion of evaluating valuable skillsets in prospective leadership strengths is the organization's size. I’ve reflected on this guide to show what I believe are the key skill sets for an organization of our size (~50 active), but as we grow (or shrink 😬 ), it’s important to look at how each category should be weighted.
Categories
Vision
Vision refers to the team member's ability to articulate and communicate their understanding of the organization's future direction, including their ability to discuss the growth and expansion of the organization. A strong vision means that the team member can provide specific examples and details about how they see WARG evolving and how their work fits into this vision. It also means they can align their work with the overall goals and direction of the organization. This is essential to leadership and helps ensure the team works towards a common goal.
Level | Desired Competency |
|---|---|
Senior IC/PM | |
Sub-team lead |
Drive
Drive refers to the team member's ability to drive the team forward. This includes their ability to set clear and ambitious goals, create a sense of urgency, and inspire and motivate the team to achieve them. They should be able to communicate the objectives and the plan to reach them, as well as hold the team members accountable for follow-through. They should also be able to identify and remove obstacles preventing the team from reaching its goals. They should be able to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of the team and make use of them to reach the objectives. A team member who demonstrates this quality takes ownership and initiative and can keep the team focused, motivated, and productive.
People Management
People management refers to the team member's ability to effectively manage and lead other team members. This includes their ability to provide direction, guidance, and support to team members, as well as their ability to create a positive and productive team environment. They should be able to communicate expectations, provide constructive feedback, and recognize and reward good performance. They should also be able to identify and address any issues or conflicts that may arise within the team and take steps to resolve them. A team member who demonstrates this quality is someone who can create a sense of unity and collaboration among team members and can foster an environment of mutual respect and trust.
Project Management
Project management refers to the team member's ability to effectively manage and lead projects is evaluated. This includes their ability to define project objectives and scope, create and manage project plans, assign tasks and manage resources to deliver the project on time, on budget and to the required quality standards. They should be able to communicate effectively with the stakeholders and manage their expectations. They should be able to identify and mitigate project risks and can, make decisions and take corrective action when needed. They should also be able to lead and coordinate a team of people and ensure that all tasks are completed on time and to the required standard. A team member demonstrating this quality can plan and effectively organize the project while delivering results.
Administrative Ability
Administrative ability refers to the team member's ability to handle administrative tasks and responsibilities. This includes their ability to organize and maintain accurate and up-to-date records, handle correspondence and communication, schedule meetings and appointments, and manage office operations. They should be able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities and handle confidential and sensitive information discreetly and professionally. They should also be able to use office equipment and software effectively and efficiently and perform basic bookkeeping and accounting tasks. A team member who demonstrates this quality is someone who can keep the team running smoothly and can ensure that the administrative tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Communication
Communication refers to the team member's ability to communicate effectively. This includes their ability to express themselves clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally. They should be able to tailor their communication style to different audiences and present information and ideas in a logical and organized manner. They should also be able to actively listen and understand the perspectives of others and be able to address questions and concerns professionally and respectfully. They should be able to lead meetings and presentations and facilitate discussions and decision-making. A team member who demonstrates this quality is someone who can effectively convey information, ideas and opinions and can maintain positive relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.