I’ve always had a burning question: “What’s better, being a leader or a manager?” I’ve observed first level supervisors, managers, and executive work their magic. I still don’t know what makes a great leader or a highly effective manager. However, here are some things I’ve observed and learned:
Leaders are flexible. They try to find the right balance between leadership and management. Some practice situational leadership or management which involves assuming different roles as the situation or context requires. Some practice one role predominantly, such as participatory or directive management.
Leadership is still a difficult topic to explain. Increasingly, leaders are seen as people who can guide himself or herself or a group to do what needs to be done as well as reach ever-higher goals. In general, these are normal people who possess high energy, are committed to a cause, can share responsibility, have high values, and are highly credible. Leadership can also be defined by circumstances. When a critical situation arises, a leader will arise. So today, we’re seeing leaders in all areas of an organization arising from the force of financial exigency, corporate restructuring, information explosion, outsourcing, or simply the necessity to get the job done. Leaders on the other hand inspire, engage, dare, dialogue, and challenge people. Who’s a leader? It may be one of these things that you know it when you see it.
Life Lesson Earned: On a personal level, do you emulate good things you see in others? Do you practice personal continuous improvement? The difference between a good manager and great leader is now more noticeable.