Managing / leading - they're the same, right?

The first time I saw Warren Bennis' work on contrasting the role of a manager with that of a leader it had a major impact on me and it continues today. I'm sure a light bulb went on above my head.

Whenever I share the ideas with others, I marvel at the impact it has on them too. Most of us think we are doing the right thing, but when we truly understand the difference between managing and leading it can stop us in our tracks.

In a nutshell, Bennis says where managers administer, leaders innovate. Where managers maintain, leaders develop. Managers rely on control, leaders inspire trust. Managers have their eye on the bottom line, leaders on the horizon.

There is nothing wrong with managing - I just reckon it's not enough, and it's not until people are aware of the real difference that they too aspire to do more than managing.

Ask yourself, "Am I truly leading, or just managing?"

The Manager 2 Leader Workshop is a great place to make a start on your journey from manager to highly effective leader.

Cheers

Greg

Warren Bennis is an academic, scholar and author and is widely regarded as the 'grandfather' of contemporary leadership.  More info on him can be found here.