Mueller - The importance of leaders and managers

Are we developing leaders or managers in our organizations? Which is better? Is there a difference? At Dale Carnegie Training we often have the opportunity to do training in leadership. Managing the processes within an organization is also an important aspect of developing a successful team in the workplace. I truly believe both are essential to a well-oiled machine.

Let's begin with the definition of "leadership." Leadership is creating environments that influence others to achieve group goals. People support a world they help create. Leadership is about communicating with and to people. Leaders recognize human potential. They are able to build cooperation. Leaders make decisions without hesitation or second-guessing. Leadership is all about managing conflict and change.

"Management," on the other hand, is more about the processes. Management is the creation and implementation of the process and the monitoring of results. People support a process that helps them succeed. Managers have good coaching processes and appraisal systems in place. They are experts at the processes of delegating.

Other processes that good managers have mastered are the performance and planning processes, as well as the innovation process. These are all important to helping the organization run in a predictable manner. Good managers are successful in developing organizational leadership.

There are points of overlap that create pillars or foundations, common to both leadership and management. These are motivation, people skills, communication, leadership and accountability.

Motivation is important. Our experiences shape our beliefs and values about leading others. These values and beliefs become our leadership style and create the environment in which we lead. We need to know the motivation that works for us, and our work teams as well.

People skills are an essential ingredient for professional and personal success. We must focus on the skills that will help us make a positive impression on others. We need to learn how to win enthusiastic cooperation instead of mere compliance, turn a "No" into a "Yes" and be cool under pressure.

Leaders communicate by demonstrating effective questioning and listening skills. They understand that even the negative associate can offer insights and innovations that add value to the organization.

Leadership is the ability to motivate and inspire people from a variety of backgrounds to a higher level of performance. We need to possess skills that will help us be more flexible, enthusiastic, open and approachable. These skills also help gain enthusiastic cooperation, from others, enabling us and our organizations to be more productive.

Effective leaders know how to close the gap between expected performance and actual results. They maintain a positive accountability system designed to ensure associates' success. Leaders are seen as effective coaches, building on potential to enhance performance and achieve desired goals.

Managers and leaders both also need to be fluent in goal setting. It is up to the leader to provide and enable everyone in his organization to see "the big picture." Through careful communication the leader and manager define the expectations and the parameters involved in reaching the vision. The manager then puts in place the processes, performance expectations and accountability standards necessary to work the plan.

It is essential to always be defining roles for the people within organizations. By knowing who is responsible for the processes, who is responsible for the people, and the vision of the organization, everyone can work together for a common goal. Sometimes, we get lucky and find our managers are also leaders. Some people may be more people oriented, some may be more process oriented.

It is important to recognize the strengths and desires of the staff, and place them accordingly. A team is one who works together, with all leaders and managers, complementing each others' ideas and skill sets. Remember, together everyone achieves more.

Sharon Mueller is the regional manager for Dale Carnegie Training. Dale Carnegie Training recently partnered with Metro Business College in Cape Girardeau. To find out more about this partnership and course offerings, call Mueller at 332-0900 or email at smueller@carnegiestl.com.