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Sometimes management gets a bad reputation. The stress, the long hours, and the tough decisions are not for everyone, but there is so much positive if you do it right. Leadership isn’t just about meetings and managing tasks; it’s about teaching, influencing, and helping others find real satisfaction in their work. I’ve learned more about myself being a manager than I ever would have otherwise. Here are some truths about being a manager that no one told me when I started.
Leadership is a Journey, Not a Destination
Leadership never stops and that’s a good thing! Every day you must grow as a person to keep growing as a leader. You need to continuously learn, adapt, and evolve. Each day there will be new opportunities to develop your skills and deepen your understanding of your role. It’s an ongoing process but knowing there’s always something to learn or a new challenge to tackle keeps things fresh.
Your Influence Is Greater Than You Realize
As a leader, your actions ripple far beyond your immediate tasks. Whether you like it or not, your attitude, decisions, and communication shape the culture of your entire lab or department. The influence you have on others is powerful and can create a positive, collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. It can also have the opposite effect. A bad leader can unintentionally create tension, lower morale, and hold the whole team back from reaching their potential.
You Get to Champion Others
I love supporting my team’s growth. Helping others succeed, watching their confidence grow, and celebrating their wins is amazing. I’ve seen firsthand that lightbulb moment in a new histotech’s eyes when they finally get it and it’s so rewarding! Leadership isn’t just about directing; it’s about empowering those around you to be their best, teaching the next generation, and fighting for your team when they deserve it most.
Mistakes Are Part of the Process (and That’s Okay)
There is not enough talk about how normal and valuable mistakes are in leadership. They’re not signs of failure but opportunities to learn. Embracing that mindset creates a culture where your team feels safe to grow and improve. I’ve learned that when you’re willing to admit your own mistakes and show that it’s okay to stumble, it encourages everyone to speak up when something goes wrong. This is of the upmost importance when working with patient tissue. One of my favorite sayings is, “learn from my mistake,” before I start a story of how I messed something up.
You Become a Bridge
Leaders often end up being the connection point between different people, ideas, and goals. Being that bridge means you get to bring together diverse perspectives and help the team figure things out in ways no one could reach alone. It’s very satisfying to see everyone come together and move forward because of that collaboration.
Your Voice Matters Even When It Feels Like It Doesn’t
Sometimes management may feel like you’re working behind the scenes, but your guidance, even when subtle, steers your team in meaningful ways. Your input and experience help create a clear direction that is essential for success. Even when it feels like no one’s noticing, those small decisions are what keep everything running smoothly.
Leadership Deepens Your Passion for Your Work
No one tells you how much leadership can reignite your love for what you do. Seeing the bigger picture, how your role impacts patients, research, or the lab’s success, can deepen your motivation and commitment. It reminds you why you chose this path in the first place. Being able to teach and inspire a new generation of histology professionals is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done!
The Power of a Thank You
One piece of advice that has been invaluable to me as a leader is to never forget to say thank you to your staff. When they go above and beyond, when they show up on time, when they simply have a good attitude about their job, say thank you. These may seem like small things they should just do, but trust me, it goes a long way when you notice. It costs nothing, takes seconds, and can completely change someone’s day. Over time, those small acknowledgments build loyalty, trust, and a team that genuinely wants to work with you.
Leadership in pathology is filled with positive, sometimes unexpected truths. But, by embracing them, you not only grow as a professional but also find joy and purpose in your role. So, whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or looking to develop your skills further, remember: this journey is as rewarding as it is challenging and it’s one worth taking.
Written by Jordan L Terrell, HT(ASCP)cm
Jordan Terrell, HT(ASCP)cm is a current Healthcare Operations Leader at Onvida Health. As an experienced laboratory manager with a strong background in healthcare operations, Jordan has built her career around creating efficient, patient-centered environments where both people and processes thrive. Her passion lies in optimizing workflows, leading high-performing teams, and empowering others to deliver the highest standards of care. Over the years, she learned that leadership in the lab is as much about personal growth and empathy as it is about organization and outcomes.
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