Daily work involves addressing both people issues and craft challenges. Relying too heavily on interpersonal skills may distract from essential craftsmanship, leading to stagnation. Leaders often plateau when prioritizing social maneuvering over domain expertise. Effective leadership nurtures environments where craftsmanship flourishes. Career paths typically progress from craft-focused beginners, to mid-level managers balancing influence with diminishing craft edges, culminating in senior leaders who must choose between politics and honing their craft. Overemphasis on people skills may hinder long-term expertise development, especially for leaders.
Being good at the people stuff can feel like progress, and in most environments, it is what buys you influence, respect, and speed.
The best leaders use people skills to create conditions where craft can thrive, not to cover for the lack of it.
Collection
[
|
...
]