Being a manager doesn’t make you a leader

illustration photo

While every leader may not be a manager, every manager should be a leader. A manager who lacks effective leadership traits will drive a business into the ground faster than you can count to 10.

Going from manager to leader isn’t going to happen overnight. It takes time and energy to improve the way you manage and utilise leadership characteristics on a daily basis.

Statements to lead by:

lManagers give answers, leaders ask questions.

Shouting orders at your staff will turn them against you. Instead, ask your employees this: “What would you do?” or “What do you think of this idea?”

By allowing people to participate in the decision-making process, you’ll transform what could have been an order into something more easily swallowed. This type of questioning will also inspire creativity, motivation and autonomy in your staff.

lManagers criticise mistakes, leaders call attention to mistakes indirectly.

Pointing out your employees’ mistakes directly will only leave them feeling embarrassed and frustrated. Effective leaders give their employees the chance to learn and grow letting them address their mistakes themselves.

For example, say a project was sent to a client and you receive a disgruntled message in return. Calmly ask your employee about the clients’ concern and whether they feel what was provided was on par. This gives them a chance to provide input and understand what needs to be improved for the future.

lManagers want credit, leaders credit their teams.

Poor managers are always the first to take credit for positive praise; effective leaders understand the importance of crediting their team for the big wins. This pays off in the long run by establishing a more positive company culture where employees are driven toward more success as a team.

Management shouldn’t approach through force, but rather through influence. Start improving your management style by injecting more leadership into it.

As a manager, do you ask questions instead of giving answers?

Source:Linkedin.com

Source: http://www.navigossearch.com 

Source: forbes.com