subject: Wonderful Boss, Ineffective Leader [print this page] Too often people use the words "manager" and "leader" interchangeably; without considering the important differentiating factors between the two words and what they mean. Management is the act or art of managing; the conducting or supervision of something. Managing additionally means the judicious use of means to accomplish an end. (Isn't it interesting that being a boss sounds kind of unexciting right?)
Leading, conversely is to guide or direct using a plan. Leadership is also to direct operations and activity toward an end. Leadership means to have charge of, and go before. (Now that sounds cool, 'going before' sounds like some epic military general leading his troops into battle.)
Managers make sure resources are used wisely and that the job gets done. These resources could include your budget, equipment, programs and supplies. One of the resources a manager manages is human resources, or employees.
Leaders, on the other hand, enlist the support of others in the accomplishment of a common task, or a set of tasks to achieve a set of specific goals.
Managers look at the bottom line, leaders gaze at the horizon.
Now it is possible for a good leader to be a good manager. And a good manager can transform into good leader by watching the authentic human side of business.
Turn Into a Leader
The differences between a manager and a leader are not obvious. Sometimes it just takes being cognizant of people. Below you will find some tools that can transform you from a manager into a leader:
Goal: When team members have a strong sense of goal in their jobs and accomplishments, they are happier and they will do a more powerful job. A good leader helps a team determine their own personal purpose.
Strategies & Learning: Your employees can't do a good job if they don't have the correct tactics and know-how to utilize these resources. This sometimes requires an investment of money to purchase tools and pay for training. Investing in resources and training is something a true leader does, it shows respect and concern for your team as individuals.
Milestones: As a manager you have responsibility over milestones. As a leader you have responsibility over how your team is impacted by these milestones.
Individual Fit: Individuals like to feel like they fit into a group and into their job. Having a job that matches their interests and skills is important for every member of your team. Someone in the right job gives an individual the opportunity to live up to his potential. It also lets him or her to have satisfaction in a job well done.
Building a Team: Combining the strengths of your employees can help you forge a effective team. By focusing on each employee's strengths, and mitigating their weaknesses, you can get more out of your team. A team of people who can work effectively on their own, as well as together, can be a huge asset to you as a leader.
