The basic difference between a manager and a leader is that a manager is responsible for administering the daily activities in a company, while a leader focuses on developing and communicating a long-term vision. Each of these roles requires different skills. How can you properly balance these roles? Ceo.com recommends starting by honestly answering the following questions:
- Can you identify the long-term goals of your company?
- Does your team understand the long-term expectations and goals of your company?
- Do you yourself engage in long-term strategic thinking?
- Do you come up with new ideas and methods of doing things differently?
- Do you lead your subordinates to independent thinking and accountability?
If you answered "no" to these questions, then you are more of a manager than a leader. When you focus too much on everyday activities, you do not have enough mental room for thinking about a long-term vision for your team or company.
Less management, more leadership
If you want to gain more time for your leadership role, begin with delegation. Your people deserve your trust because they really can perform most of your everyday tasks themselves. You will then be able to come up with new and interesting challenges and encourage creativity in your team.
Another important step on the journey from manager to leader involves open communication. Your people should be allowed to not only ask questions, but also evaluate you and express their views on how you can become a better leader. Obviously, the same applies vice versa.
A leader must explain the long-term goals his people face so that everyone knows what is expected of him of her. Open communication is necessary when making important decisions. Your people should not question either the motivation for your decisions or the purpose of what you are doing.
-Kk-