Leadership isn’t just about managing people; it’s about driving impact in different ways. Unlocking your leadership potential, requires an understanding of the different types of leadership and By mastering functional, industry, and people leadership, you can position yourself as an invaluable team member and set yourself up for long-term success.
In this post, we’ll break down these three types of leadership and show how they can play a pivotal role in your early career. You’ll also discover actionable steps to develop these skills and learn from leaders who have successfully navigated their own career journeys. Whether you aspire to lead a team, become a subject-matter expert, or reshape an industry, this guide will help you get started. For additional resources, check out Harvard Business Review or Mind Tools for practical leadership insights.
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1. Functional Leadership: Mastering Your Craft
Functional leadership revolves around expertise in a specific area, such as marketing, finance, or IT. It’s about being the go-to person in your department who can solve problems, manage processes, and drive results. For example, a functional leader in finance might excel in budgeting and forecasting, while a marketing expert might focus on data-driven campaigns and brand strategy.
As an early career professional, developing functional expertise is your first step to leadership. Start by identifying the key tools, methodologies, and best practices in your field. Seek out certifications, online courses, or mentorship opportunities that will deepen your knowledge. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera can be invaluable for building your skillset. Remember, functional leadership is about mastering your craft and earning the trust of your colleagues as a reliable problem-solver.
2. Industry Leadership: Seeing the Big Picture
Industry leadership is about becoming a thought leader or innovator within your field. While functional leadership focuses on internal expertise, industry leadership requires you to understand external trends, market dynamics, and future opportunities. Industry leaders shape their sectors, adapt to changes, and inspire others to think bigger.
You don’t need to be a CEO to start building industry leadership. Stay curious and informed by reading industry publications, attending conferences, or joining professional associations. Share your insights on LinkedIn or volunteer to lead discussions within your team. Over time, you’ll build a reputation as someone who understands the broader landscape and can connect the dots between trends and opportunities. Resources like Gartner and Glassdoor can provide useful insights to deepen your knowledge.
3. People Leadership: Inspiring and Empowering Others
People leadership focuses on guiding and inspiring teams. It’s about building trust, fostering collaboration, and helping others achieve their potential. While you may not manage a team in your first role, you can still practice people leadership by mentoring peers, leading small projects, or advocating for team success.
Developing people leadership starts with strong communication and emotional intelligence. Listen actively, give constructive feedback, and seek to understand others’ perspectives. These skills will not only make you a better colleague but also prepare you to take on formal leadership roles in the future. For more practical advice, explore resources like The Center for Creative Leadership or books like Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek.
Spotlight on Multifaceted Leaders
To inspire you, here are a few leaders who have excelled in multiple types of leadership:
- Satya Nadella (Microsoft): Transitioned from technical expertise in cloud computing to reshaping Microsoft’s culture as a people leader, fostering innovation and collaboration. Check out these leadership lessons from Satya Nadella
- Ursula Burns (Xerox): Rose from an engineering background to redefine Xerox’s business model while later transitioning to leadership roles in the telecom industry. Check out this inspiring video with more on Ursula Burns journey to the top
- Alan Mulally (Ford/Boeing): Applied his functional expertise in engineering and operations to turn around Ford during the financial crisis, showcasing adaptability across industries.
- Marillyn Hewson (Lockheed Martin): Demonstrated cross-functional expertise in supply chain, operations, and strategy while excelling as a people leader in a complex organization.
These leaders highlight the value of versatility and adaptability. By developing skills across multiple domains, you’ll be better prepared to navigate challenges and seize opportunities throughout your career.
How to Get Started
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Start small by identifying one area—functional, industry, or people leadership—where you want to grow. Set clear goals, seek feedback, and take advantage of resources like MIT Sloan Management Review or books like Multipliers by Liz Wiseman. Don’t wait for a formal title to begin leading—your actions, initiative, and impact speak louder than any title ever could.
Remember, the best leaders are those who invest in their growth and inspire others to do the same. Your journey starts now—take that first step and watch your potential unfold.
