When Management Isn’t Enough!
Management is easy. The power of the position says you direct and others do. It’s a tried and trusted formula which, like so many of its kind, at best works short term. The long term implications are frightening. If you want to be an effective Manager, become a better leader!
Good intention is not enough. Positive action is essential. Reading another article or developing another ‘to do’ list can be just distractions if, under the pressure of time, you just revert to your old directive ways.
The answer to how to become a better manager is all around you but the solution lies within. Focus on the transition from management to leadership by better understanding the difference between the two and improving your leadership skills.
The first step is to better understand you. Profiling resources such as Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) help you truly understand your leadership style and how to develop your strengths and minimise your weaknesses.
Consider the role modeling by a Manager who continues to do a task that others can do as well yet who continually struggles with a lack of time. In contrast, reflect on the role modeling by Leaders using effective delegation, influence and problem solving skills.
It takes courage to admit your weaknesses and develop your strengths. It is a tough challenge when the change project is you. Tougher still if your emotional intelligence needs to be developed to understand how to tap into the true capabilities of your team. Dee Hock, CEO of Visa International, believes around 50% of our energy and focus needs to be devoted to positively influencing those around us.
The following distinction between managers and leaders was developed by participants in my leadership workshops.
| Managers | Leaders |
|---|
| Exert power | Influence and inspire |
| Direct and demand | Empathise and engage |
| Focus on the present | Systems thinkers |
| Task oriented | Values based |
| Habitual | Adaptive style |
| Policies & procedures | Objectives and outcomes |
| Self – it’s up to me! | Develop shared vision |
| Extensive knowledge | Use wisdom to leverage knowledge |
Clarify the difference in your own mind. Then plan how you will model your style of leadership to deliver a clear message to staff that leadership thrives with willingly followers.
In “Why Should Anyone Be Led By You”
1, ‘tough empathy’ is defined as giving people what they need, not what they want. Apply tough empathy to yourself. Resolve to build a better you by providing greater opportunity for your staff to engage, innovate and be their best under your leadership.
Good leadership brings significant rewards in all facets of your life. It provides a welcome gift of time as you harness the collective skills within the team. Leaders also achieve better results, a greater sense of belonging and increased personal satisfaction.
German Physicist Georg Lichtenberg said
"I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better." Management is seldom enough when a manager fails to model the values of leadership!
"Why Should Anyone Be Led By You" R. Goffe & G. Jones, Harvard Business Review, October 2000
John Cleary is the Managing Director of the Blue Chip Consulting Group (www.bluechipconsultinggroup.com.au) which provides Consulting, Training and Facilitation services focusing on Strategy, Leadership, Change Management and Cost Management. John is an Alumnus of the Williamson Community Leadership Program and a member of Leadership Victoria. He can be contacted by ceo@bluechipconsultinggroup.com.au
First published: 2 February 2005.
Last updated: 6 October 2005.