So, I hope your year is off to a good start this week, month, and year. Not a dull moment for me so far, having had the opportunity travel (business and pleasure) around the world. Things happen and change all around daily.
I’m realizing that it makes sense to look at what others have learned. That’s the main reason I like history. If you ignore or forget it, you’re destined to repeat it. That can be both good and bad.
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Ghandi
Like I’ve stated before, I’m an information addict. I like to learn. So, I was reading an old article from the Harvard Business Review by John Kotter titled “What Leaders Really Do.” As I was reading, I tried to envision someone who fit the bill of what the ideal leader is. I came up with Ghandi. He was a leader/manager of historic proportions. He led/managed a country. Can’t find a better example than that.
What is a Manager?
Let’s discuss how Kotter defined a manager: a person who deals with a complex situation and brings order and predictability to what arises in an organization. This manifests itself as someone who can plan and deal with budgets. They are also good at organizing and staffing. A manager should succeed at putting in controls and solving problems.
What is a Leader?
So, who is a leader then? A leader is someone who has the ability to deal with rapid change. They are good at setting a direction for an organization. Leaders see how to align people with that vision. Leaders are motivators, helping people get on board with that vision.
What is a leader-manager?
A leader-manager is a blend of both. I know that I’ve met each who are stonger at one and not the other. I’ve had great managers who were terrible leaders. I’ve also met fantastic leaders who were horrible managers. However, today’s environment and marketplace is looking for a blend of both. They want a leader-manager, and they want them now.
So, if you want to be in a “leadership” position in your organization, you need to develop both sets of skills. You need to figure out how to plan and budget and set a direction. Understand what the differences and complimentary aspects of this truly is. You need to staff your organization and also align people to that vision. You also need to solve problems while still inspiring and motivating people.
What’s next?
These are two different systems, leadership and management, and your company most likely wants you to understand and use both. So, I challenge you to explore what your strengths and your weaknesses are. Be honest with yourself and then simply figure out a plan–a development map–on how to strengthen your weaknesses and exploit your strengths. Even if you don’t aspire to be one, simply understanding this is the best way to understand your leader/manager.
