Leading is not for everyone. It can be tough, challenging, lonely, stressful. Some people shy away from it. For others, it is a calling. Most do their best, but is a complicated gig, and many of us haven’t really been taught how to lead. A Google search of “what do leaders do” received 800 million search results! Clearly, it’s not easy. Simply put, if you are not doing this one thing, you are not really leading: Making others better.
In nearly 20 years of consulting to businesses I have seen three distinct types of leading, or not leading. The Boss is usually, well, bossy. Loud, demanding, possibly uncompromising. Not good at accepting blame if things go wrong or poor decisions are made. Much better at pointing the finger. Mostly rules by fear. Doesn’t like to be challenged. Possibly insecure if the truth be known and covers this up with bluster and BS. Mostly all about him or her. The Boss is clearly not focused on making others better.
The Manager is much easier to get along with than The Boss. By contrast, they are less focused on themselves and are more watchful about operations, getting things done, doing the business. Making sure systems are in place and procedures are followed. Maintaining the status quo, keeping the ship on an even keel, making sure boxes are ticked. What’s wrong with that? Only that it’s about the present, not the future. Only that it’s about staying the same, not getting better. Only that it is unlikely that people will be inspired and empowered to do better, more likely to be safe and secure.
I have had the privilege of working with and seeing in action some true Leaders. Sadly, not enough though. The Leader is mostly about others. Somehow the leader, while also having operational responsibilities, finds a way to get things done and has time for growing and developing others. They realise that leading is not about them but what they can do with and for others. They know that it is not about creating more followers, but more leaders. The true Leaders think about and focus on their leadership legacy. They want to make people better and understand that to be their most important responsibility.
Which one are you? Boss? Manager? Leader? It’s simple, everyone wins if we focus on making others better.
