Staying a Great Manager While Becoming a Great Leader

Category: Articles
Posted: 12-14-2010 03:51 AM
Views: 3191
Synopsis:

Great business leaders know that there is a lot more to becoming a leader than simply being assigned to the role of manager. A manager is primarily an administrator. The job of a manager is to run a section, group or division of an organization and the role is an important one. The skills associated with this administration take years to develop and the position is earned. However, it does not automatically make you a leader. A leader earns his title by getting others to follow his vision. Both roles are extremely important within an organization and the employee who excels in both becomes an organization's most valuable asset and leadership training is imperative to accomplish this.

Great business leaders know that there is a lot more to becoming a leader than simply being assigned to the role of manager. A manager is primarily an administrator. The job of a manager is to run a section, group or division of an organization and the role is an important one. The skills associated with this administration take years to develop and the position is earned. However, it does not automatically make you a leader. A leader earns his title by getting others to follow his vision. Both roles are extremely important within an organization and the employee who excels in both becomes an organization's most valuable asset and leadership training is imperative to accomplish this.

A manager who is a great leader knows that the day-to-day administration of tasks in his department must be adhered to while practicing essential leadership skills. But, he also knows that great leadership skills will improve the day-to-day operations. While the development of leadership skills may take some time away from administration, they know that it will be beneficial in the long run.


The first skill of a great leader is innovation. Taking time to create and imagine new possibilities sometimes takes away from administration, but in the long run this is possibly the most important leadership skill that a manager can develop. Taking time to innovate and encouraging your entire team to innovate and bring new ideas to you will be time well-spent.

The second skill is trust. If your employees can't trust you then you will go nowhere. Make sure that you always tell them all the information - good or bad. Keeping secrets and lying to your employees will only develop mistrust, bad morale and lack of productivity. In addition, keep your word. If you tell one of your employees that you will do something - then do it! Make the earth move to get it done. A manager of his word becomes a great leader.

The third skill is to increase the expectations of your employees. Inspire them to achieve more by believing in them. Set goals and become a cheerleader for your team. Goals should be set for the entire team and for individuals. Take time to celebrate when goals are met. A positive, encouraging workplace will bring out the best in your team and your increased expectations will be realized.

These three skills will help any manager rise from the assigned, administrative position of manager, to the inspired position of leader. Leadership is earned just like management is - through the development of skills, but while manager is assigned by the organization; leader is earned from the acceptance of your team. Become great at both and you will be a great asset to your organization.

Charlie Bentson King is a writer and producer of leadership training videos for TrainingABC. TrainingABC is a distributor of leadership video and DVD programs and management video and DVD programs.

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