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Leadership: The Missing Link
by Brad Rudkin, MBA, JD, SPHR
Today’s “business leaders” are missing the boat. Today’s business leaders are more business managers than they are business leaders. And while sound management is important, the cost of weak leadership is very high. Low morale, high turnover, mediocre performance and lack luster customer service are just a few of the costs of weak leadership. And it doesn’t take a lawyer to figure out that these costs, though tough to measure, have a direct impact on your bottom line.
The Problem
The problem is there are not enough books written or seminars given on the topic of Leadership. A search on Amazon revealed that there are a mere 12,045 books on the topic. And, if you’re like me, you probably only receive 5 to 10 flyers for upcoming leadership seminars per month. So obviously, we need to recruit more authors and speakers.
Actually, the problem isn’t that there is not enough documented, shared wisdom on the topic of leadership. Some of the best managers go to one or two leadership seminars per year and clap till their hands fall off at all the wonderful things the speaker is saying. So what’s the real problem?
The REAL problem is the link between knowing and doing; between hearing and living; between mental assent and true understanding. People at these seminars are plagued with what I call the “nod factor.” They nod vigorously at all the truth shared by the famed and, undoubtedly, wise speaker on the topic of leadership. It’s like they sit there thinking, “Finally, someone is articulating what I have known for years.”
And I don’t doubt that they actually have known a lot of it, but from my experience there are a lot more people who know and do not, than those who know and do.
The Solution
First, learn the difference between management and leadership. The differences are real, and are important. The roles and goals of leaders are markedly different than the roles and goals of managers. Let’s look at a few of the basics.
Managers focus on speed, methods, and efficiency (i.e., doing things right). Leaders focus on vision, purpose and direction (i.e., doing the right things). Managers direct, organize and discipline employees. Leaders empower, inspire and motivate employees. Managers solve problems. Leaders trust their followers to solve problems.
How come so many of today’s “senior” level managers, not to mention mid-level managers, are consumed by 80% management activity and only 20% leadership activity? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? I suggest, YES.
After you have developed a clear picture of leadership and how it differs from management, step up to the leadership plate determined to hit a home run. Put what you know into practice 24/7, everyday, all day. Develop an action plan that will force you to walk the talk. Seek out one or two accountability partners to keep you on track. Be sure to choose people whom you trust and who will be objective and honest. Don’t be afraid to select from among those whom you expect to follow you; after all, they have the biggest vested interest in your leadership ability.
Why Should You Care?
The main reason you should care is because it is the right thing to do. It is right for you; it is right for your organization and it is right for those who are subject to your “leadership.”
Strong, effective leadership can, and usually does, transform an organization. The American Heritage dictionary defines transform this way: “a marked change, as in appearance or character, usually for the better (emphasis added); the change undergone by an animal cell upon infection by a cancer-causing virus.” Wouldn’t you like to infect your organization as effectively as a cancer causing virus, only with a positive instead of a negative result? I hope so.
Leadership is your number one competitive advantage; your number one strategic asset. Just ask GE, Southwest Airlines, Starbucks, or Microsoft.
There are many great books on the subject of leadership, but my personal favorite is The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. If you haven’t read it I challenge you to do so. I assure you it will also challenge you.
Lead on!
[PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION]
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