Marcia's Leadership Q and As: Ready to Manage? Do You Lead or Boss?
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Q. Several managers have resigned or retired recently, and I anticipate more retirements in the
coming months. How do I prepare younger people to move into management roles?
A. In challenging times, look at the future and plan what you need to do now. Your job is to develop the natural leadership of all your staff. Build a creative, collaborative community. A few results that you want to experience are a healthy productive workplace and culture, happy clients, and a competitive edge. Offer education about leadership and communication (the two are intertwined in effective leadership.)
Take time in small group meetings and periodic town halls to discuss leadership principles, concepts, values, and behaviors. As people develop their leadership, you can observe who naturally leads, who earns the respect of their peers, who has the courage to innovate. Coach and mentor people by asking questions, sharing resources (videos, books, articles.) The more you all learn together, the stronger your organization will be. Over time, teams focused on improving and solving tough problems will self-organize. Encourage teams to share and try new ideas. If they “fail,” it’s a step in the learning process to take the company to a new level.
Ask people if they want to lead. Some people are excited to lead (make sure it’s not just for a title or more money); others have little interest, or the timing is not right for them as they have other commitments. Leading is a process, one that continually must be improved. A leader is a never-ending student and communicator. They ask, “How can I be a better leader?”
Q. What’s the difference between a leader and a boss (with any level of title?)
A. A leader shares a vision, direction, and purpose. A boss tells people what to do. A leader asks questions and trusts the people to accomplish the work together. A boss tells people how to do the work, depriving them of their pride in workmanship. A leader recognizes and appreciates people. A boss promotes him/herself and strokes their own ego. A leader trusts people to do their best and ask for help. A boss micromanages, thinking no one else can do the job better.
A leader engages the team to problem solve and asks questions so everyone can learn together. A boss has all of the answers and makes all of the decisions. A leader identifies challenges and opportunities. A boss focuses on mistakes and problems. A leader develops the team and is accountable for its performance. A boss criticizes, blames, judges, ranks and rates individuals and feels that’s the job. Do you want to work for a leader or a boss?
