Leadership 101

Leadership 101 is an introduction to the qualities and characteristics of todays leaders. Generally speaking a leader's success can best be measured by how well they motivate, inspire, and influence others. More often than not, an individual will assume the role of a leader rather than having that title thrust upon him/her.

In recent years there has been a shift in corporate culture away from "managerial styles" and towards "leaders and teams". In some of the literature, it almost seems like the term "manager" should be shortened to "mngr" to truly make it a 4 letter word! This however, should not be the case and organizations should recognize the need for both managers and leaders. In some instances, both roles may be filled by a single individual and in other instances it may be filled by 2 or more people.

A leader is quite often a visionary with grand plans, ideas and roads into the future. A leader builds the enthusiasm of those following him/her and motivates the team to work harder and better towards their shared vision. The leader likes to bring forth change, question the "old ways" and always strives to improve the current situation.

When you choose to follow a leader you quite often do so because they have inspired and motivated you. It is fun and exciting to be around this person and you feel energized when in his/her presence. Leaders like this make you feel the same way your grandparents did when you were a child.

Your manager, on the other hand, is more like your parents...

A manager's role within an organization is to stay grounded and be more calculating in the risks the company takes. The manager must plan, lead, control, and maintain an equilibrium. The manager must consider fiscal restraints, the bottom line and ensure that those beneath him stay safe and don't jeopardize their weekly salary. The manager is more formal and academic than the leader and must adhere more closely to the rules of the company and those above him/her.

Within the Utopian organization, it is envisioned that all the employees will be empowered, motivated and love working at their jobs. Of course monetary compensation will always be a factor, but in this perfect career, the size of the salary is not the only factor. Thus it is easy to see why the term "manager" (and it's inferred responsibilities) has fallen out of favour. But I think common sense tells us all of us that there is a need for some degree of structure and focus within each and every organization.

So when I speak of leadership, I don't do so in direct contrast to management. I believe the best leaders have the same grounding and reality check systems that create great managers, and likewise I believe the best managers have the ability to recognize the good in change, envision the future and motivate and inspire others. A leader can never function independently. The only thing that makes a leader a leader, is that he/she has followers! Thus a leader always needs to be a part of a team. When we look to the animal kingdom we see different examples of leadership.

So which style of leadership is best?

Unfortunately leadership is more art than science and there is no one correct answer for that question. And this Leadership 101 home page is certainly not the place to attempt an answer. Please take the time to visit the other pages of this website where we'll address charisma in leadership, communication styles, leading in the future, as well as various leadership traits and techniques.

As always, if you have any specific leadership related questions, simply visit our contact info page and submit your question there.