In the corporate world, “leader” and “manager” often get tossed around like they’re the same thing, but they’re really as different as cats and dogs. Understanding the difference is crucial for creating a workplace where people actually want to come to work and perform their best.
Authority exercised by the manager is the power or right given to someone because of their position or title. Think of a manager or executive. Authority is all about control and making sure everyone follows the rules. Picture a manager who demands compliance just because they can, this usually leads to high turnover (remember, you rarely leave a company, you often leave your manager) or performance issues like low morale and lack of productivity. Why? Because nobody likes being bossed around without feeling motivated or valued.
On the flip side, leadership is all about influencing and inspiring others, no matter what your job title is. True leaders set examples, build trust, and motivate their team with a shared vision (we talked about vision and strategy last week, check this article if you missed it). They encourage open communication and teamwork. When a manager mixes leadership with their role, magic happens: teams often become engaged and super productive.
Now, a common mistake companies make is calling their upper managers “leaders.” But here’s the kicker: being a leader isn’t just about having a fancy title. It’s something you earn through trust and respect. You are not given the leader title, you earn it. Leadership is shown through actions and the ability to inspire others, not just by sitting in a big office.
Leadership isn’t something you learn in school. It’s not like algebra (which, let’s be honest, how often do we use that?). But leadership can be learned. Transforming managers into leaders involves teaching them how to inspire, motivate, and genuinely connect with their teams. This is where a skilled coach comes in.
A coach, with expertise in coaching and training can help turn authority figures into real leaders who make the workplace a better place for everyone. Not only will this transformation benefit your team, but it will also enhance your career, positioning you as a respected and effective leader in your organization.
Don’t forget, leadership isn’t merely about being in charge; it’s about caring for those you lead. True leaders inspire and empower their teams, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best. Consider where you want to position yourself: in a place where you simply manage, or where you genuinely lead and support? Always remember, you’ll be remembered for how you made people feel and the impact you had on their growth and success.
So, let’s recap: authority makes people follow rules, often without much enthusiasm. Leadership, on the other hand, gets people genuinely excited and committed to their work. True leadership isn’t handed out with a job title, it’s earned through trust and respect.
In the end, leadership is what truly matters. Understanding and embodying the principles of leadership can create a more engaged, motivated, and high-performing team. It’s all about fostering a culture where collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect thrive. And maybe, just maybe, making work a place people actually enjoy.
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Thought of the week
“Leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge. True leaders inspire and empower their teams, creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.”
I recommend
Here’s one video I recommend
Leadership Has Nothing to Do With Rank | Simon Sinek
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