I am frequently asked about the difference between managing and leading. I am frequently asked that by people who don’t believe there is a difference. I know almost instinctively that the people who do not believe there is a difference between managing and leading are not leading people. They are attempting to do the impossible, which is manage another human being.
It’s impossible because human beings mostly refuse to be managed. They resist at every opportunity and when the opportunity to resist doesn’t arise they will create one. People want to be led.
The best a manager can do is coerce the compliance of their people. The problems with that are many but here’s one of the biggest ones. When the manager isn’t directly in the presence of their people the compliance isn’t either. That’s why I say attempting to manage people causes most of the people issues managers deal with.
Leaders on the other hand work to earn the commitment of their people. The advantages of having the commitment of the people you lead are also many but here’s a huge one. When the leader isn’t physically present the commitment of the people remains. They continue to produce and behave exactly as they would if their leader was with them.
The reality is, earning the commitment of the people you lead is crucial for building a strong and cohesive team. Without that commitment there will always be personal issues. Managers will tell you that some of the biggest challenges with their job are people related. Leaders seldom if ever say that.
If you’re interested in eliminating most of the personal issues in your organization, here are some strategies to earn the commitment of your people and put them, and your organization on the path to long-term success.
Lead by Example. Demonstrate the behavior and work ethic you expect from your team members. Your actions speak louder than words, so model the values, attitudes, and work standards you want your team to embody. When your team sees your commitment, they are more likely to emulate it.
Communicate Effectively. Keep lines of communication open and transparent. Provide clear instructions, share information openly, and actively listen to your team members’ feedback and concerns. Effective communication creates trust, encourages collaboration, and ensures everyone is aligned with the team’s goals and vision.
Empower and Delegate. Trust your team members with responsibilities and empower them to make decisions within their areas of expertise. Delegating tasks not only shows your confidence in their abilities but also allows them to grow professionally. When people feel trusted and valued, they are more committed to achieving shared goals.
Recognize and Appreciate. Acknowledge and appreciate your team members’ contributions regularly. Celebrate their successes, both big and small, and publicly recognize their efforts. Genuine appreciation fosters a positive work environment. It boosts morale, and reinforces commitment to the team and its objectives.
Provide Growth Opportunities. Support your team members’ professional development by offering training, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Invest in their skills and career advancement, and encourage them to pursue their goals. When people see a clear path for their development within the team, they are more likely to stay committed.
Foster a Positive Culture. Create a supportive work culture. Make everyone feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute. Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Address conflicts and challenges promptly and constructively to maintain an environment where people are committed to working together towards common goals.
Lead with Empathy. Understand and empathize with your team members’ individual needs, challenges, and aspirations. Show genuine concern for their well-being and provide support during difficult times. When people feel understood and supported, they are more likely to remain committed to the team and its objectives.
Set Clear Goals and Expectations. Establish clear goals, objectives, and expectations for your team members. Ensure everyone understands their role in achieving these goals. Provide the necessary resources and support to help them succeed. Clarity and alignment around goals enhance commitment and motivation.
Celebrate Successes Together. Celebrate team achievements and milestones as a collective. Recognize the contributions of each team member towards the shared success. Celebrating together builds a sense of camaraderie and reinforces commitment to future endeavors.
These are the strategies that will help you earn the commitment of the people you lead. They will help you to build a high-performing team. They will act as the glue that holds the organization together in challenging times. They are key to achieving shared goals and lasting success.
As a leader you must remember, you manage “stuff.” Stuff like budgets, buildings and inventory. But you LEAD people. Once you have that difference firmly in mind your leadership potential is greatly enhanced. And so is the potential of every person you lead.
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Yes, I know it’s not the healthiest beverage but I kind of sort of live on the stuff… and the stuff is getting as expensive as gold. 😋
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