WE NEED LEADERS, NOT MANAGERS

A great article came out recently in a business magazine. The author talked about the need for more leaders and fewer managers. I agree. Drawing the distinction is as easy as defining the terms.

A leader - sets the philosophy, sets goals, organizes how to get there and then moves his people in the right direction. A leader is constantly evaluating those he works with because he wants to reach his goals. He is also evaluating himself.

A manager - looks just like a leader in most respects but lacks the vision and direction and the desire to get there.

A leader will challenge the system to find a better way. A manager doesn't care what the system is as long as it doesn't interupt his management.

People like managers if they like being told what to do and just getting by.
People hate managers if they are driven.

People like leaders because leaders stand for something and believe in it. they set clear guides of what will be happening so the follower can decide to follow or not.
People hate leaders if they don't like change and being asked to fit into a program.

Managers like keeping themselves out of the spotlight of decision making because they fear what people think.
Leaders like being able to make the decisions because they are achieving something.

Leaders stand out in a crowd because they almost always have an oppinion and don't mind expressing it.
Managers are a dime a dozen and you find them around you all the time but you never notice them.

Leaders make enemies because taking a position means others will disagree with you.
Managers avoid conflict because they don't feel like they have a position worth fighting over.

Managers don't instill much confidence because they don't have high expectations.
Leaders create life long friends because they inspire others to do their best. Whether they mean to or not.

The world needs more leaders. Our programs need more leaders. Our schools, communities and businesses need more leaders. I love football because it trains people to be leaders.