Experts versus Leaders

Are experts in a particular field good leaders? It depends.

Many people are promoted into leadership roles because of their expert technical knowledge. If that technical genius understands and embraces the different skill set for leadership, then yes.

However, if they don’t expand their skill set, they may be hindered by the narrow lens that’s honed their technical expertise.

Being innovative and motivating employees to be innovative are not the same.

Wise companies provide leadership development. They want their best expert, usually a money-maker, to be able to motivate employees to be or become technical geniuses.

That means the new leader looks outward versus inward for the next great thing.