I have always been intrigued by managers who think they are leaders simply because of their title.  In fact, I find it interesting how many people think their title not only defines them but entitles them to certain rights.

Two words that I think describe any great leader are credibility and trust.  When you really think about it, neither of these words have anything to do with a title on a business card.

We hear people all the time refer to their superiors as President, CEO, manager and so on.  How many times have you heard someone refer to their boss as their leader?  If you have, you probably had a much more positive picture of that person.  Think about it … to say someone is your leader defines the person.  To say they are a manager or even the president merely defines the position.

Here are five ways that leaders separate themselves from managers:

1.  LEADERS SEE THE BIG PICTURE

A leader recognizes and understands all the things that impact his circle of influence.  It is not just about their department or their project.  The big picture goes well beyond today and long term results are part of each decision.

2.  LEADERS THINK BEYOND THE THINGS THEY ARE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR

It is not just about their department or their project.  A leader recognizes that every decision made can affect the entire organization and understands the negative implications of tunnel vision.

3.  LEADERS FOCUS ON  VISION, VALUES AND MOTIVATION

Leaders are very strategic and specific in the decisions they make and the actions they take.  They share their vision, demonstrate their values by the way the live and work and motivate and inspire others to stretch to new levels of achievement.

4.  LEADERS ARE PROBLEM SOLVERS

I was once told “don’t come to me with a problem unless you have a solution.”  Leaders recognize problems at the onset and develop solutions at the earliest time to avoid negative outcomes.  They are not afraid to delegate or collaborate if it is a better way to solve the problem.

5.  LEADERS DON’T ACCEPT GOOD ENOUGH

To me, this is the biggest difference between leaders and managers.  Leaders are always looking to improve.  A manager will work under the concept of “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”  A leader will understand that if you don’t improve it and make it better, it will eventually break.  This is especially important when it comes to people.  Complacency and status quo are two things that will eventually result in the demise of any organization.

The bottom line is that managers, although serve an important purpose simply manage.  They make sure that all is in order at that point in time.  Leaders have the vision to think beyond the present and work towards making tomorrow better than today and help their people to become and achieve more.

People don’t want to managed, they want to be lead.  So the question you need to ask yourself is “Am I going to manage or am I going to lead?

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Barry Smith   www.buildingwhatmatters.com   10/9/12            photo by author