A511.1.3.RB - Leadership vs. Management

A511.1.3.RB - Leadership vs. Management

People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it and what you do simply proves what you believe. In fact, people will do the things that prove what they believe. (Sinek, 2009) This the most powerful and impactful messages I took from Simon Sinek lecture. This is what I want to be.

Leadership and management are terms that are often used interchangeably in the business world to depict someone who manages a team of people. To be a great manager you must understand what it takes to also be a great leader.

One characteristic of a manager is very basic in the sense that they are someone who was given their authority by the nature of their role. They make sure things gets done, focus on day-to-day tasks, and manage the activities of others. Manager’s focuses on tactical activities and often times have a more directive and controlling approach. Being tactical is not altogether a negative approach as this is a skill set that is greatly needed in business especially in the fast paced environments most of us work and live in. Being able to organize people to accomplish tasks can be a great asset.

Managers are often times the previous high performers at the employee level. Does this mean they are ready for the challenge of people management? (Ricketts, 2009) In many cases, the answer is no. To demonstrate solid characteristics of a manager, these previous high performers must be trained. While all types of people can manage, we will now examine what makes a manager a solid leader.

Whether they're individuals or organizations, we follow those who lead, not because we have to, but because we want to. We follow those who lead, not for them, but for ourselves. And it's those who start with "why" those have the ability to inspire those around them or find others who inspire them.

Leaders hold a position of power or authority, but those who lead inspire us.

Now if we look at the characteristics of a leader. When you hear the term, leader, a number of images may pop into your head. One phrase that may come to mind is "he or she is a born leader". This phrase does depict a great deal about the difference in managers and leaders, as there are a great many distinctions. To demonstrate characteristics of a leader you must be more strategically focused and rather than directing employees through tasks, they inspire and motivate employees to drive themselves. Leaders are adept at attaining the best work out of their people.

Leaders are also very focused on change. Recognizing that continual improvement can be achieved in their people and their activities can be a great step towards continued success. Being able to lead their teams through change management, rather than manage them through it has infinite rewards.

            In this stage of my career I am pursuing “management” positions, this is the main for going back to school for an advance degree to get a step on the competition. But in this first week of class I’ve learn that a manager and leader can be one in the same.

References

Ricketts, K. G. (2009). Leadership vs. Management. University of Kentucky. Lexington: University of Kentucky.

Sinek, S. (2009, September 28). TEDxPugetSound 2010 - YouTube. Retrieved from YouTube: https://youtu.be/u4ZoJKF_VuA?list=PL42F8562DCD3CCEA8

Yuki, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations. Albany: Pearson.