We hear the words "Leadership" and "Management" used quite often these days, and often interchangeably. I propose to you that a leader and a manager are two very different things. A good organization needs both to prosper, but if we are truly focused on making a contribution in our field we should focus on becoming a leader.
Photo courtesy of http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/
Here are a few simple things to keep in mind as you transform from a manager into a leader.
- Leaders will be at the head of the group, showing their team the way. Managers will be at the back making sure nobody gets off the path or falls behind.
- Leaders will take risks and walk on new paths. Managers minimize risk by taking the same path today that they took yesterday.
- Leaders will sell others on the idea of walking the path with them. Managers tell others the path that is required to walk
- Leaders always try to do the right thing. Managers always do things the right way.
- Leader are proactively looking toward the horizon. Managers react to changes on the bottom line.
Remember, anyone can learn to be a manager. Good leaders are hard to find and thus more valuable.
Tell me about your transition from manager to leader, or tell me about your favorite leader. I would love to hear your stories in the comments section below.
Related Articles:
No comments:
Post a Comment