Business Life

Warren Bennis said, “Leaders are more successful than managers in harnessing people power. Management is getting people to do what needs to be done. Leadership is getting people to want to do what needs to be done. Managers push. Leaders pull. Managers command. Leaders communicate.”

In the new world of flattened organizations, titles of Manager or Supervisor are being traded in for the title ‘Team Leader’. No matter what title is given, humble leaders are most effective in earning respect, hard work and ‘buy in’ from their staff.  Humility is the key.

Think through past managers, supervisors or bosses who impacted you in a positive way. Was it the stern manager who harassed you each day on your work performance? Or was it the boss who walked along side you, asking what you needed to improve and how he/she could best support you in accomplishing those goals?
 
I have had the privilege of working with great leaders.  Of all the leaders I’ve worked with those who demonstrated humility were by far the greatest. They didn’t brag about accomplishment or think of themselves as better than their protégés.  Instead they led by example with encouragement, clear communication, and solid advice.  Each one of them saw mistakes as learning opportunities.  They saw the best in those around them and didn’t hold back in expressing that.

Like Bennis states, there is a huge difference between a manager and a leader.  A leader is more successful in harnessing people power through humility and positive reinforcement.

What type of leader are you?  Do you push or pull?  Command or communicate?  Do you encourage or discourage?