Devoted to Managers and those that seek to improve their management skills

When we talk about managers and leaders, at first glance it may seem just making a distinction can make it look like one is better than the other. In truth, they are both very important.

In this post let's talk about what the inner person is like when this may start to happen to them. One major thing to keep in mind is that one of the key indicators of when this may be happening to you is through a "healthy" dissatisfaction.

The reason I mention that is because there can be an unhealthy dissatisfaction that is only negative and tears down rather than builds up a situation. Healthy satisfaction isn't negative, but leaves you with the feeling that you want more; that your management duties are more of a hindrance to you than a help.

How will you know specifically that this is happening? Once you understand that you have a certain type of dissatisfaction within you, there will be a discovery that the way you view the job and duties you are required to perform are looked upon differently from in the past.

Here are ten differences to see if you're transitioning from manager to leader:

1. Instead of looking at the nuts and bolts of what needs to be done, you'll start to look at the bigger picture.

2. Instead of only listening to those over you giving instruction, you'll want to start doing some of the talking.

3. In the past you were always measuring results to make sure they're being accomplished; now you want to encourage and inspire.

4. You used to do a lot of teaching, now you want to offer support.

5. Managers tend to look at things as they are, leaders look at things as they will be.

6. A leader always has a vision and the strong need to communicate it, managers will want to keep things strong where they're at now.

7. A leader will make a map, a manager will follow it.

8. Managers look at things based upon the details, leaders have great hope regardless.

9. You've always looked for authorization to direct; now you don't.

10. To be a leader you must have followers; managers don't have to have them to be a manager.
 
One other thing about a leader: Those who truly are don't need any title to prove it. If you are, eventually nothing will be able to hide the fact.