CPBL July 2025: Week 1 Discussion (Advice to Jamie)
Task: Jamie, a mid-level manager at your company, has shown great potential and is eager to move into a leadership role. Jamie has demonstrated strong technical skills, the ability to manage projects effectively, and a knack for motivating team members. However, Jamie wants to understand what it truly takes to be a great leader and has come to you, as their mentor and senior leader in the organization, for advice.
Provide Jamie with answers to the following questions:
- What specific qualities and skills are essential for becoming a great leader?
- How can I develop and demonstrate these qualities and skills within my current role?
- What steps can I take to prepare myself for future leadership opportunities within the company?
Jamie has the requisite skills to become a leader. He is technically competent, an effective project manager, and can motivate team members. These skills are leadership building blocks. Effective leadership demands much more.
Effective leaders have the ability to inspire others. Subordinates and colleagues must respect their leader’s personal traits and professional qualifications. Leaders must have integrity and possess self-awareness. They must be trustworthy, dependable, hard-working, present, empathic, and approachable. Professionally, leader’s must be qualified for the position. Educational credentials such as a bachelorette, master’s degree, doctorate, professional certifications, and previous experience provide proof of one’s skill set. The combination of personal traits and professional competence are essential for senior leaders.
Jamie has demonstrated some of these qualities by leading projects and motivating others. He should continue to build on this by volunteering to lead teams, joining committees, and offering suggestions to senior leaders (when appropriate).
