Here is a Way for Managers to Discover Leadership!
by Michael Harrison
Debate rages about what are the differences between leaders and
managers. There are many articles and books written on this topic and yet
for anyone to progress in their career it will be essential for them to
recognize the difference.
Management and leadership are a continuum along which we progress in
our careers if we aspire to the top jobs. You could argue that good
managers make good leaders. I would disagree. There are many examples of
outstanding leaders who have qualities far in excess of those required to
be a good and effective manager.
The roles are different. Managers control; they operate within
boundaries, like order and follow direction. Leaders on the other hand
accept additional responsibility and challenge established order. Leaders
will take risks, seek opportunities and use personal appeal and charm to
get things done.
Many people start their careers following specific education and
training and some remain as specialists through out their career. Others
seek career development to progress. They become team leaders, project
leaders and have to acquire the skill to adapt to changing situations and
manage and lead other people.
Those that have ambition and want more progress will continue to
develop through continuous career training. These moves are indicators of
leadership aspiration and potential with a realization that to continue to
progress it is necessary to change career.
Each new challenge requires additional qualities. A good example being
to change from say, Research Engineer to CEO would normally be achieved
via a number of steps (changes).
The change from specialist to manager can be traumatic. Specialists can
deal in fact, managers have to acquire flexibility and an ability to
juggle a number of balls at the same time, more senior managers - leaders
have to try to manage all these variables while developing strategic
vision, goal setting skills and an ability to plan to achieve corporate
results.
Additional skills such as strong networking abilities are essential
both within and outside the organization and in addition it is vital for
leaders to maintain a healthy lifestyle with good work life balance.
Recognizing some of these distinctions in the different roles will give
the aspiring some idea of what career development they need to undertake
if they are to rise to the pinnacle.
*********************************************************************
Resource Box: Article by Michael Harrison, Author, Publisher and Business
Consultant. Go to:
http://www.be-your-own-business-expert.com/Opportunities.html
Subscribe for your Free weekly newsletter. Information for career and
business minded people. Subscribe today
http://www.be-your-own-business-expert.com/Bulletin.html Access our
archives when you subscribe.
*********************************************************************
About the Author
Michael Harrison is an author, publisher and business consultant
specializing in helping business owners and individuals to realize and
release the full potential of their situation. He has helped many people
to improve their business situations and advised and supported individuals
to embark on new directions in their careers.
