This week I have been reading a book by Warren Bennis, On Becoming A Leader. Below is a list that distinguishes a leader from a manager. Read the list and determine where you fit in with your organization.
- The manager administers, the leader innovates.
- The manager is a copy, the leader is an original.
- The manager maintains, the leader develops.
- The manager focuses on systems and structures, the leader focuses on people.
- The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust.
- The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range perspective.
- The manager asks how and when, the leader asks what and why.
- The manager has his or her eye always on the bottom line; the leader’s eye is on the horizon.
- The manager imitates; the leader originates.
- The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it.
- The manager is the classic good soldier; the leader is his or her own person.
- The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing.
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Well said. How is our education system preparing people to lead when we put kids in classes of 30+ kids?
This is a quote from John Maxwell- If someone thinks they are leading, and no one is following, they are only taking a walk.
Leaders show how to do something, while managers only sit at their desks, and make arbitrary decisions. Leaders grow organizations, while managers kill them. To be blunt, I do not like managers, for they lack people skills, from what I have seen.