For most new managers, the transition into a new role can be like a safari into the unknown territory. Today, I want to make you think about leadership and management.
My aim is to
Help you reflect upon your understanding of this subject and motivate you to take charge of your learning.
However, before we move any further, it is a good idea to give you a quick primer on leadership and management.
Leadership versus Management
1. Leadership and Management are two disparate skill sets.
2. You manage things; you lead people.
3. As a manager you have a job title and a position of authority. As leader, you may not have a specific job title or a position.
4. As a leader, you focus on developing your ability to influence and inspire.
5. A good manager is also a leader.
Now that your memory is refreshed with the basic differences between Leadership and Management, try to answer the following questions in your head. There are no right or wrong answers. Nevertheless, these questions will act as triggers to create new neural pathways in your mind.
Set 1
1. Do you think leadership can be learned?
2. Identify some ways that you would like to inspire people.
3. What kinds of influence do you have?
Set 2
1. Why do you think it is important for you to develop leadership skills to complement your management skills?
2. How do you feel your leadership skills will enhance your effectiveness as a manager?
Set 3
1. Have you ever worked for a manager who was not a leader?
2. Describe how your manager’s lack of leadership skills affected your work and job satisfaction.
Succeeding in your new role often involves carefully answering a few key questions. When you answer honestly, you will identify the gaps in your skill sets. Learn to take charge of your learning because “the buck stops here.”
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