How Much Do You Manage? Pick a Lane

When it comes to titles on your business card, less is more. The more areas you decide to "specialize" in means the less time you can spend on being an expert in each of those areas. Especially in an organization where you're leading multiple departments...pick a lane.

Managing five departments is like trying to manage traffic on five lanes of an interstate; everyone is traveling in the same direction, toward the same goal, but you are trying to lead all the cars in each lane. As you merge and switch lanes, weaving through traffic, you end up slowing the traffic and work flow of EVERY lane.

It's better to choose one or two areas of expertise and spend your time streamlining those specialties. Hire people smarter than you and people that you trust to manage the department. That way when one project consumes your time, or you're unexpectedly absent, you don't slow the pace and progress of your entire lane. You can set yourself at cruise control and let your team lead you down the fast lane.

How much do you manage?

by Renee Halgerson