Individual Contributor
Do you feel that you’re one of those employees with leadership potential but you’ve been overlooked because you don’t have the word “manager” in your job title?
Does everyone seem to come to you when they wantknowledge and assistance?
Do management consult you for information regarding performance of your department?
If so, it sounds like you’re an individual contributor.
Team Player
Individual contributors can be just as effective and valuable as a director who manages large teams of 100 people. How you respond in the workplace as an individual contributor directly affects your potential to progress in a company, and if you sodesire, into a management role.
You don’t have to be a boss to help shape a positive corporate culture. Managers always learn from their hires. They rely on their direct reports and team members to inform them how life looks on the other side.
This means not trying to look better than others and not trying to win arguments. Rather, a team player helps others to succeed and look good in their role. You want to demonstrate benevolence, trust and goodwill and show that you place as much importance on others’ success as your own.
It can be challenging to let your vulnerability show at work like this. Often, we may feel reluctant to raise others up for fear of being overshadowed. Egos are fragile things and we might be afraid of someone else taking credit for our work.And, let’s face it, this does happen.
This is outdated thinking, though. Today, companies want to know that you’re not out to steal the limelight. A genuine helpful and thoughtful attitude will get you so much further in the workplace than someone who wants to blast through in a blaze of glory.
An employee with a genuine team attitude is exactly the type of person you should hire you should hire. If you’re applyingfor a similar role in a company, you should absolutely be showing up in team spirit.
From Individual Contributor to Management Role
Individual contributors are employees who pursue a role in an organization, but don’t seek a management role. These people often display leadership qualities as they have knowledge, expertise and help others to succeed in their role.
Disney animators are considered to be examples of individual contributors. They lead the company as without them in place, there would be no films. Despite this, they don’t have anymanagerial responsibilities.
Highly skilled employees who don’t seek managerial status often possess the leadership qualities that can take an organization forward. Equally, there are many people in managerial positions who lack the soft skills, relationships,and knowledge to be effective leaders.
If you’re an individual contributor who wants to progress into management there’s some work to put in to prepare you for the jump. Moving into management requires training, development and a shift in mindset.
If you’re going to do this, you need to do this right. And, you need guidance, advice and encouragement from someone who know the steps you must take to make the transition.
