What is the role of a leader? What is the role of a manager? Are they different? We believe they are. And we believe they are both very important to the success of an organization.
Let’s take leadership. The phenomenon of leadership is someone following someone else because they want to, not because they have to. So then the question becomes, “Would you follow you?” Leaders provide direction for the organization. They answer employees’ question, “Why are we here?” It is their responsibility to create and capture the vision passionately, to communicate that passion to their followers.
Leaders are the ones to bring about any change necessary. They facilitate the change and make it easier. The goal is to get optimal energy and optimal focus. Through the process excellent leaders engage the hearts and minds of their followers.
Managers, on the other hand, guide and support others through their achievement of their piece of the vision.
Managers, and supervisors, have a very important role in helping employees feel like they are making a valuable contribution to the organization. They have the most impact on retention of good employees. As a matter of fact, studies have shown that, in exit interviews, the number one reason why people leave an organization is due to their direct supervisor/manager. That is a powerful statement: “people don’t leave companies, they leave managers.”
The challenge for those in positions of authority is to balance their roles of leader and manager. The leader-manager challenges people to think and perform in ways that allow them to reach higher levels of performance and greater job satisfaction, yielding better results for the organization. Because they believe that people are their ultimate competitive advantage and differentiation, leader-managers invest in their growth and development, helping them moves to the next level.
The end result is an organization with tremendous energy and commitment among employees. They work together collaboratively, solving problems quickly and creatively. They have a spirited competition against a widely shared standard of excellence. They believe in each other and their ability to be wildly successful.
Strategic Enhancement Group, Inc. has the experience and expertise to help you develop your bench strength, providing development opportunities for the leaders and managers of your organization.
