Thursday, March 27, 2008
Leadership vs. Management
I recently came across of group of managers who were complaining about how their staff did not take responsibility for meeting that months’ production goal. They were moaning over the fact that adults should know what to do and then just do it. What was interesting to me was that this management group kept restating the problem rather than go for a resolution. Clearly, they lacked leadership skills—or is it management skills?
The easiest way I’ve found to distinguish between “leadership” and “management” is to think in terms of “people” vs. “process.”
Managing is being concerned about the process - the methodology - for which tasks are completed. Does your team know what to do? How to do it?
Leading, on the other hand, focuses more on the people-side of business. Your ability to coach (teach; not tell), recruit, motivate, grow, and provide accountability is what your team will rally around while they get their work done. Your team does not expect you to do their work but it does expect you to guide their efforts and give them encouragement.
Are you a manager? A leader? A little of both? What do you need to be?
Until next time...live like you mean it!
Marjorie