Managers vs. Leaders.

Many organizations use the term "leadership team" to describe their management team. 

This does not sit well with me.  Not only does it imply that all the managers are leaders, it also implies that if you're not a manger then you're just not a leader.

I doubt many would argue that Manager does not equal Leader, and vice versa.

I've seen many mangers that are horrible leaders and many leaders that are not managers.  I've also seen managers that are great leaders.

It made me think.  How would I describe the difference between a manager and a leader?  And more importantly, what do great managers and leaders do to be considered great?

Lucky for me someone else already did this.  Marcus Buckingham (a consultant and speaker on management practices) beautifully articulates this.

A great leader, states Marcus, discovers what is universal between a group of diverse people, and helps rally them towards a better future.  One that address the groups uniqueness.  They help the group to see a vision of a possible future, and then get them all working towards achieving the common vision.

A great manager, on the other hand, discovers what is unique about each individual and capitalizes on that.  They help each individual turn their talent into performance.

So, a great leader discovers what is universal about a team.  Conversly, a great manager discovers what is unique about each individual in a team.

So what are you?  A great manager?  A great leader?  Or both?

What can you do tomorrow to discover what is universal, or unique, about those that you lead?

with Metta.

Who are we leading?

This past weekend a friend of mine had a very real and very devastating experience.  The details aren't important.  What is important is that it stopped her in her tracks.  It made her question what's really important?  Who do I really want to lead?  Who am I leading?  And why?

Scott Stratten gets it.  In a TEDx event in Oakville he delivered a riveting and heart wrenching story titled "keep going until we stop".  He speaks about being a big deal, and suggests that, "being a big deal isn't a big deal, unless we are a big deal to those that matter the most to us".  Scott's Talk

This made me reflect on my passion for leadership.  It made me wonder who am I trying to lead?  And Why?

We are all leaders.  In some part of our lives we all are leading something.  Our inner leader can be a powerful ally.  It can drive us.  It can help us live up to our potential.  And this is great.  We all want to recognize our greatest potential.  But in striving to do this we often lose sight of why we want to live up to our potential.  We chase our potential as if it's a destination.  And in doing so we can alienate those that mean the most to us.  And right when we get completely lost in the chase life throws a curve ball at you.  It stops you in your tracks.  Use this as a gift.  Let it help you to regain perspective.  Let it help you remember.

Who is it important for you to lead?  And Why?

with Metta.