Manager or Leader

What makes someone a leader? What makes someone a manager? It all comes down to behavior. If you're in charge of an organization, division or department, what if all you're doing is managing a team?  There are very stark differences between leaders and managers. They are not one in the same. The sad part is, very few professionals are trained on the differences or even think about them. I'm not talking about the title of "manager" here, but rather the behavior. According to a Gallup poll, 52% of people who leave a job cite poor leadership as the reason why.

For many of us, our first stint in a managerial position was one that did not come with much training. Maybe someone performed really well as an individual contributor and were subsequently promoted to manage a team. Interestingly enough, some of the attributes that make a great individual contributor can also hinder that person when they are asked to take on a team or organization. 

Manager behavior tends to take a directive approach to individuals. This may include managing tasks, giving directions, seeing the objectives as their own, being tactical versus strategic and perhaps not looking for contributions from their direct reports. Some managers may even take credit for the work of their team without recognizing the group. 

Leaders on the other hand see things very differently. They are more visionary and help their team understand how everything they do plays into the bigger picture. They see value in different perspectives and embrace them to create an empowered and engaged team who will go to great lengths to support their leader. Good leaders listen to their team members and inspire them to be their best, maximizing the individual strengths of each person. They recognize contribution and look at success as a celebration of everyone's dedication and hard work. This approach is more likely to result in a team that feels appreciated. 

Through my coaching program, I work with professionals who are looking to take a leadership approach to their management style. I help them find their voice to communicate in a genuine and authentic way. Together we uncover how they can better show up for their people and how they can get the most out of an empowered and energized group. It's exciting to witness the transformation of an individual who realizes the true potential of effective leadership skills. So ask yourself, do you want to be a manager or do you want to be a leader? The choice is yours.