As managers move up the organization chart, their role must evolve. Those who are stuck using the same management habits that served them often reach the level of incompetence (a.k.a. The Peter Principle).
How do they gain the leadership mindset their job demands? It starts with defining the role of a leader. Then understanding how it differs from a manager.
Leadership is about:
When assaulting the status quo, you need:
With these two insights, you can set specific goals to engage yourself and others to measure and communication your progress toward closing the gap.
Armed with a vision and supporting goals, a managers role is aligning the systems, resources, people and processes to ensure that you reach your destination on time.
Personally, professionally and organizationally, we all perform three roles: the producer, the manager and the leader.
In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Covey gave us this description.
“Envision a team of explorers working their way through a jungle. The team can be divided into three categories.
The producers are the ones with the machetes cutting and hacking their way through the underbrush to clear the path.
The managers organize the effort by rotating crews to keep the fresh hackers in the front of the line while having their trailing teammates sharpen their machetes. They set the schedules, policies, procedures and develop incentives for rewarding the more productive hackers.
The leader finds a tall, sturdy tree and climbs to a vista. After surveying the landscape, she yells to the others “We’re in the wrong jungle!” Upon her descent, the efficient, incentive driven producers and managers respond “So what? We’re making great progress!”
We all wear all three hats; producer, manager and leader. How do you recognize when to remove one and replace it with another? As you gain this role clarity you naturally become more effective leader. Remember: Managing is about efficiency. Leadership is about effectiveness. How will you assure that your team is making great progress in the right jungle?
Tom Lemanski helps accomplished leaders unlock potential, solve complex challenges, and amplify their impact.
Effective leadership is the key to driving meaningful, lasting success in a fast-changing world.
Tom’s focus on innovative strategies and self-awareness creates transformative results for leaders striving for the next level.
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“Envision a team of explorers working their way through a jungle. The team can be divided into three categories.