Are you a leader or manager?
Sometimes it is really hard to determine. One reason could be because
many authors don’t distinguish between the two.
Leadership versus Management is a great topic to explore.
There seems to be a lot of confusion about what
leadership really is. Most of the time, we think that a leader is
someone who is at the head of a group or an organization. Perhaps you
have equated positions of power with leadership.
Sometimes we even use the term leadership in very
informal ways. When someone leads us in a song, for example, or someone
leading a guided tour we are using the term loosely, and it causes
confusion about the meaning.
Many authors of organization texts use leadership
versus management issues as if they are the same thing. However, this
isn’t the case. They define both terms as people who provide
direction. Or, they say that leaders and managers facilitate the
direction of others by being the catalysts.
Honestly, the true definition of leadership keeps
changing. In areas of high tech business, it seems to be changing
faster than any other type of organization. Organizations that are
based on charity or community have slower changing definitions of
leadership.
One reason for shifting definitions is the fact
that people don’t have to be physically strong or fit to get to
the top. It is more based on personality and skill. It is also based on
ideas and thoughts. Whoever has the best, innovated idea seems to be
climbing higher in organizations. Remember, that this type of
leadership can be shown by all employees. So, all employees can show
leadership, even if it is for just a small moment.
How exactly then does leadership versus
management? Management is more of a role or position, whereas
leadership is an act. A great way to think about this is to look at a
mother. When my mom disciplined me, she would always do that counting
thing. Being a mother is a role, and one that a mother will have
throughout her life. Teaching a child how to behave, however, is
considered a leadership activity.
Managers often demonstrate similar abilities. A
manager will hold the title of manager, but it is through actions where
he/she can show leadership. Being a leader requires a person to promote
new directions.
Discover more
about becoming a great leader at www.RaiseALeader.com
