Allow me to poise a question I think deserves answering. Have you ever been around, or perhaps worked with or for someone who by job title may be a manager, but in action is in reality both a terrible manager, and certainly not a leader?
This is an interesting topic for me, if you, like me, enjoy watching The Office on Netflix, you probably shake your head quite a bit at the antics of Micheal Scott. As regional manager, he has certainly embraced the idea of authority, and yet within the scope of his world, he lacks any semblance of leadership quality. I think what makes that show so engaging is the fact that despite how many times I have seen an episode, it is not uncommon to see something new that I have missed on previous viewings.
Arguing that art imitates life, might I suggest we have all known a Michael Scott within the circle we live, and might I also suggest the outcome is pretty much the same each and every time.
Here is the thing we all know, there is a fundamental difference between a manger and a leader.
Taking that idea a step further, a leader typically makes a great manager, but a manager does not always equal a great leader.
This past week I witnessed first hand some really bad leadership. I cannot get into too many specifics because the person I witnessed is a frequent reader of mine, and it is never my intent to publicly call out someone, but what I can tell you is what I saw in and of itself could potentially make up an entire season of The Office.
Managers manage, in theory. Seems self-explanatory, heck, the word manage makes up over 90% of the word manager. And yet, it comes as no surprise to anyone that there are some truly awful managers who have no business being in that role. Some may be promoted, some may be in the role simply because they own the company they manager. Some may have been born into it, nepotism is that description.
After observing this train wreck last week, I am more determined than ever to never be a manager again, instead focusing on being a leader. A leader is someone who inspires. A leader is someone who can paint a picture of what could be, and have those who are part of the journey buy-in fully to accomplish the vision. A leader is someone who can take a team and achieve the impossible.
Consider this. A soldier is led into combat, not managed into combat.
This week the challenge is simple. If you are currently in a role that requires you to manage or lead people. Be intentional about leading versus managing. If you are currently in a role that finds you managing more than leading, might I suggest you change your management style and adopt a leadership focused approach.
History tells us that great leaders are remembered and learned from. History does not tell too many stories about managers.
I do not know about you, but I choose to lead, not manage. This week, I hope you choose to do the same.
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