How Are You Managing?

Today I thought I'd help clear up the confusion between leadership and management. Most of us are familiar with managers, but few have been introduced to true leadership. The difference between the two can be as diverse as the difference between heaven and hell. If you've ever had a bad manager your familiar with my analogy.

If you take the words down to their definition or their origin, a manager is simple one who manages, or basically, one who gets by. Managers are positions of appointed authority. Usually granted by seniority or hopefully outstanding job performance. There is the exception of nepotism, and that's usually a recipe for disaster. A manager, gets by, using their authority to accomplish their goals. Some of us are all too familiar with how a great job can turn into a living nightmare with a simple change of management. All of this can be avoided by the institution of simple leadership skills.

And just what is a leadership? Let's break the word down! Leader, one out in front. The head of the pack, leading the charge. Ship, to transport. Together we have one who leads the pack and transports others through that influence to where they want to be. Leaders influence others, hopefully in a positive direction. A true leader exudes character and integrity so people naturally want to follow where they are going. Sprinkle in some people skills, and the ability to resolve conflicts and you have defined your person of influence as a leader! The magnetism of character naturally draws others in that positive direction.

While a manager usually earns a higher pay grade than those he manages, a leader is rewarded handsomely. Not only do leaders top the pay scale, they also get the reward of the personal gratification of influencing others in a positive direction.

We are all called to leadership! It might be to lead your family as the head of household, or as the CEO of a major corporation. The same principles apply, people are watching you and how you use your influence. Now ask yourself, am I simply managing my decisions, or am I applying leadership principles to accomplish my goals? Your answer defines where you stand in your leadership journey.

God Bless!
Capt. Bill