Just because most leaders also have management functions, and similarly most managers also have leadership functions, doesn’t mean that leadership and management are the same thing.
Speaking of management when you mean leadership and vice versa is a part of why we have a leadership deficit.
When I hear someone say “I’m a people manager” I shudder.
You can’t manage people – you can only lead them or not.
One manages systems, resources, inanimate assets and schedules, including measuring them.
Leaders inspire, encourage, develop, champion, clarify, influence and persuade people to willingly be their best in achieving the shared goals according to the shared values.
The best of them are also adept at dealing effectively with unacceptable behaviour and performance whilst keeping trust and respect.
When we get clear about those differences, then we can start effectively developing leaders with well-designed experiential workplace results oriented development, instead of the ignorant habit of thinking that two or three or even five days of workshops focussed on management topics will make them effective leaders.
What do you think?
