Do you know the difference between managing a team and leading a team? Have you heard them used interchangeably?
Many people in management roles may think they are leaders, simply because they have a title. In reality, they are managing a process of how to do something, the people in how they do the process, and the statistics associated with the process. Essentially, management is process oriented.
In the other hand, true leaders do not need a title to lead teams. They have relationships with those that they lead, they invest time and energy into building leaders, and they have a vision. Leaders do not need to tell people how to follow a process, they inspire people, and people follow the vision. Leadership is people oriented.
How can you be a great leader? Do these three things:
- Show people that you care for them.
- Show people how you can help them.
- Build trust with people.
If you can do these three things, you can lead people because they will know that you have their best interest at hand.
As you go through your day, take notice on who is leading and who is managing. After all, not all managers are leaders and not all leaders are managers. Then ask yourself: Which one am I?
What's your opinion?