One thing that I have learned during the past 39 years in the corporate world is that leadership is often misunderstood, and servant leadership is even more so. People often misinterpret leadership for management; however, leadership and management are not the same, they are distinct but interconnected concepts having different approaches and outcomes.
While management consists of things you do like creating action plans, smart goals, process flows, or budgets, leadership focuses on inspiring and motivating others to achieve common goals. In my career, I have seen many great managers over the years who were not great leaders, but they were great at managing.
Many times, I came across managers who were geniuses when it came to problem-solving and creating SMART goals but whenever they needed to lead a group of lost people to the right path, they had less to offer.
To be a great leader, it is important that the people you are leading follow you. Let me be crystal clear, if people are not willing to follow you, you are not leading.
Management is what you do, leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. Two of the greatest leadership gurus of all time, Ken Blanchard, and John Maxwell, have written many books on leadership and influence. Each of us is a leader. We influence people every day, the only question is what impression we will leave, will it be positive or negative?
Why Organizations Must Have Great Leaders?
1. Setting a Clear Vision & Direction
Great leaders carry a clear vision and direction for their organization. They define the purpose, values, and long-term goals of the entire organization. This helps in aligning employees and stakeholders, creating a sense of purpose and direction for all.
2. Motivating Employees
Effective leaders keep team members motivated. They demonstrate a passion for their work and create a positive work environment for all.
3. Driving Innovation and Change
Great leaders play a crucial role in driving innovation and facilitating change within an organization. They lead by example, encourage creativity, and celebrate new ideas. Effective leaders value experimentation and risk-taking. They create a culture of continuous improvement, leading to innovation and adaptability.
4. Managing Crisis and Uncertainty
Effective leaders are defined in times of crisis and uncertainty. They provide stability and guidance to the team; remain calm in difficult circumstances and make tough decisions when needed.
Why Organizations Must Have Great Managers?
1. Execution and Operations
Managers are responsible for turning the vision and strategies set by leaders into actionable plans and tasks. Their role is crucial for managing day-to-day operations and ensuring the effective execution of plans. Managers know how to meet specific targets and deliver results.
2. Team Development and Performance
When it comes to developing team members’ skills and maximizing their potential, managers have a vital role to play. They act as an anchor, provide guidance to the team members, and organize training and development programs. Managers ensure all employees develop their skills and perform to their full potential.
3. Increasing Operational Efficiency and Accountability
Managers are responsible for optimizing resources and maintaining operational efficiency. They know how to establish performance metrics, track key performance indicators, and hold individuals as well as teams accountable for their performance. Managers are focused on improving productivity, managing resources effectively, and ensuring that the organization operates smoothly to keep achieving set goals.
Organizations must have great managers, it is non-negotiable, but they also must have great leaders. Both leadership and management are essential for organizations to succeed in different ways.
The greatest organizations that I have witnessed were where everyone in the company, from top to bottom, took accountability for their influence on each other, their customers, and their communities. They also had a group of managers who know the magic of understanding the plans and carrying out smooth execution.
I end this blog with this thought from author James Hunter,
Leadership is influence – the mark we leave on other people and the mark we leave on the organization we involve ourselves with.
We all leave a mark, whether we are good managers or great leaders. The real question is “Will people be glad you were there?”
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