Eric Girard’s Proven Strategies for Unlocking Tech Leadership Excellence

Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge: Insights from Eric Gerard

Welcome to Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, a podcast exploring the latest trends, strategies, and insights in technology leadership. In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Eric Girard, who has over 30 years of experience helping improve the performance of managers and employees. Eric specializes in developing new managers and focuses on their successful transition to new roles and team management skills. He has a passion for helping new managers make a smooth transition and land well in their new positions. In this article, we will delve into the key themes discussed in the podcast and explore the implications and potential impact of these insights.

The Importance of Empathy in Leadership

One of the main themes discussed by Eric Girard is the importance of empathy in leadership. According to Eric, “in 2023, what’s needed of managers more than ever is an empathetic mindset.” He emphasizes the need for managers to bring empathy to the table and be able to empathize with their employees. This involves actively listening, understanding, and connecting with employees on a deep human level. Eric suggests that managers should strive to create a safe space where employees feel heard and supported.

“Empathy is all about not just listening to someone and saying, ‘Wow, sucks to be you, that’s too bad.’ But really figuratively walking a mile in somebody’s shoes, feeling what they’re feeling, and going through what they’re going through,” explains Eric. He encourages managers to go beyond surface-level sympathy and truly understand the emotions and experiences of their team members. By doing so, managers can build trust, foster stronger relationships, and create a positive work environment.

The Transition from Individual Contributor to Manager

Another significant theme discussed by Eric Girard is the challenging transition from individual contributor to manager. Many new managers struggle because they are promoted based on their exceptional performance as individual contributors, but they lack the necessary skills to lead and manage a team effectively. Eric highlights the need for a mindset shift from being a task-oriented individual contributor to becoming a leader who gets results through people.

“What got you here won’t get you there,” says Eric, referencing a book by Marshall Goldsmith. He explains that new managers often make the mistake of continuing to focus on tasks and trying to do everything themselves. However, the key to success as a manager lies in developing the ability to delegate, set goals, establish trust, and provide coaching and feedback to team members. Eric emphasizes the importance of investing time in learning these essential management skills to ensure a successful transition.

Building Trust and Setting Clear Goals

To get their team behind them and onboard with their agenda, new managers need to focus on building trust and setting clear goals. Eric suggests that managers should spend time getting to know their team members on a personal level. By being transparent and vulnerable, managers can create a sense of trust and connection. Eric shares his own experience of sharing his interests and hobbies with his team to establish a deeper connection beyond work-related matters.

Once trust is established, setting clear goals becomes crucial. Eric recommends conducting a group exercise to set clear, smart goals or OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). This exercise ensures that everyone on the team knows who is responsible for what, how much, and by when. By setting clear goals, managers provide a sense of direction and purpose to their team members, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

The Role of Change Management in Leadership

Change management is another important aspect of leadership that Eric Girard highlights. He emphasizes the need for managers to understand the people side of change and not just focus on the technical aspects. Eric explains that change initiatives often fail because organizations neglect the social and emotional impact of change on employees.

“Dealing with human emotions is difficult and uncomfortable, and so a lot of folks ignore it or downplay it,” says Eric. He encourages managers to address the emotional aspects of change by creating a safe space for employees to express their concerns and fears. By involving employees in the change process and addressing their needs, managers can mitigate resistance to change and ensure a smoother transition.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In conclusion, Eric Girard’s insights provide valuable guidance for new managers and technology leaders. The importance of empathy, the mindset shift from individual contributor to manager, building trust, setting clear goals, and embracing change management are all critical elements of effective leadership. By incorporating these principles into their leadership approach, managers can create a positive work environment, foster strong relationships with their team members, and drive successful outcomes.

As technology continues to evolve and shape the business landscape, the role of technology leaders becomes increasingly crucial. By staying ahead of the latest trends, strategies, and insights in technology leadership, managers can gain a competitive edge and drive innovation within their organizations. It is essential for technology leaders to continuously learn, adapt, and develop their skills to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the technology industry.

In the future, we can expect technology leaders to play an even more significant role in driving digital transformation, leveraging emerging technologies, and leading remote and diverse teams. By embracing the principles discussed by Eric Girard and staying abreast of the latest developments in technology leadership, managers can position themselves for success and make a lasting impact in their organizations.

To learn more about Eric Girard and his insights on technology leadership, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or visit his website at girardtrainingsolutions.com. Additionally, be sure to check out his book, “Lead Like a Pro: The Essential Guide for New Managers,” which provides a comprehensive resource for new managers seeking to enhance their leadership skills.

Remember, the key to gaining the technology leadership edge lies in empathy, effective communication, continuous learning, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Stay curious, stay updated, and show them who’s boss in the world of technology leadership.