Managers who don't develop leadership skills may be hobbling their career growth.
Whether it's an inability to persuade or inspire others, craft strategy, or engage with team members emotionally, bosses who ignore their weaknesses risk getting stuck at the lower end of the management ladder—unless they learn how to tap into the traits it takes to become
a high-level leader.
"I've frequently seen managers hinder themselves and their teams by refusing to get out of the way and let go of day-to-day responsibilities," said Ryan Denehy, chief executive officer at Electric, a New York City-based IT support services firm. "Making the jump from manager to leader requires a conscious shift away from handling tactical items and toward a focus on making strategic decisions."