Empowers
Instructs
Innovates
Facilitates
Maintains
Delegates
Influences
Organizes
Excites
Results
Develops
Corrects
Which of those words resonate with you? Which of those words do you feel define you? Which of those words do you desire to be true of you?
In the Emerging Leaders Program, we are constantly learning what it means to lead versus manage people because yes, there is a difference between the two.
The other day we read an article asking if we are managers or leaders. Does our leadership style reflect that of one who manages people or leads people? The differences are subtle but revolutionary.
As you look at each of the words in that list in comparison to the image above, you realize that while some of the words in manager are necessary, but the words that really grab your heart are on the leader side.
This is because managers are attempting to maintain the status quo while leaders are looking for growth with themselves, the organization, and most importantly, their employees.
I know for myself, it’s easy to simply manage people-make sure things get done, tasks are completed on time, and that standards are met. However, this kind of leadership is necessary for the growth of a company and the growth of the employees.
How many companies can you think of that have been successful for generations without growth, change, or innovation?
None.
Life requires growth and change, and leadership is no different. Stagnation is not healthy in nature, in relationships, and in nature.
As leaders we must evaluate ourselves objectively and see where we stand in the manager-leader spectrum:
Are you more Task-oriented or vision-oriented?
Do you serve yourself or serve others?
Do you cultivate trust or control?
Are you empowering or demanding?
It takes a lot of courage to evaluate where you sit, and recognize where you are more comfortable. But it also takes courage to take steps in the right direction as well. Being a leader is often about making tough choices, and personal leadership is no different.
I know for myself that most of my natural skills fall into the “manager” category. I tend to stick with the status quo and not take large risks. However, I recognize that being a leader requires taking risks and trusting others with vision and workloads.
Where do you see yourself on the manager versus leader spectrum?
