Managing a team in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of event management is as challenging as it is rewarding. Over the years, I've explored various management styles, each shaping how I lead and how we organise events. From running high-profile events to managing last-minute crises, my journey through different leadership approaches has been driven by one consistent goal: to be the best manager I can be, always striving for personal growth and learning from those around me.
My style was undeniably hands-on. I believe in leading by example—whether that meant setting up the events, or even sweeping floors on occasions to ensure everything looked perfect before an event started. This approach not only set a high standard for attention to detail but also showed my team that no task was beneath anyone, me included.
However, being so hands-on had its drawbacks. I often found myself deep in operational tasks, sometimes at the expense of my team and their development. There were moments when my eagerness to get things done directly impacted my ability to let my team take ownership of their roles. It was a valuable lesson: being a good leader isn't about doing but enabling and supporting.
Realising I needed to evolve, I began to embrace a more delegative style. This transition meant stepping back and trusting my team to handle aspects of our events without my direct intervention. During large events and conferences, it was easier to step back, as I couldn’t possibly micromanage every detail of the setup and instead focused on overseeing the project's broader scope. This shift not only helped my team gain confidence but also improved our efficiency and creativity.
Delegating didn’t mean disengaging—it meant empowering. It was about providing guidance and then stepping aside to let my team shine. This approach allowed me to see the bigger picture and better manage our client relationships and event portfolios.
Inspired by my team’s growth, I adopted a more transformational approach. My focus shifted towards motivating and inspiring the team by sharing a clear vision of what we could achieve together. During meetings, I began to spend more time discussing our long-term goals and the impact of our work, rather than just the operational details.
This style reinforced the idea that our work wasn't just about executing events but creating memorable experiences that resonated with attendees. It was about fostering an environment where each team member felt connected to the outcome of their efforts and was motivated to innovate.
As I continued to refine my leadership style, I came across a collaborative leadership approach which I found essential in our industry. As this style harnesses the collective expertise and creativity of the team to achieve shared goals. We focus on having open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making. Collaborative leadership builds strong, trusting relationships and encourages team members to contribute ideas and solutions. This approach fosters innovation, enhances problem-solving, and improves team cohesion.
Sometimes the downside to collaborative leadership is that it can be time-consuming. Reaching a consensus often requires extensive discussions, which can delay decision-making. Balancing diverse opinions can also be challenging, potentially leading to conflicts or diluted outcomes if not managed effectively. However, the benefits of a collaborative approach often outweigh these challenges, leading to a more engaged and innovative team.
Today, my management style is a composite of these different approaches. I’ve learned that the best approach depends on the situation at hand and the specific needs of my team. Some moments call for a hands-on leader, while others require stepping back and letting the team take the lead. The key is flexibility and a commitment to self-improvement and adaptability.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is that growth as a manager mirrors personal growth. It’s about being open to learning from successes and failures alike and being willing to adapt based on feedback from the team. Every event we deliver successfully, every challenge we overcome together, adds to our collective strength and my understanding of leadership.
Reflecting on these styles and my journey, I see management not just as a role but as a path to becoming the best version of myself. It's about continuous learning, adapting, and striving to inspire those around me. By sharing this journey, I hope to encourage other managers in event management (and beyond) to explore their own styles, learn from their experiences, and grow alongside their teams.
What kind of manager are you? How do you balance different styles to lead effectively? Let's keep learning from each other and growing together in our leadership journeys.
For more great tips on how to make your next event extraordinary, check out our other blog posts.
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