The ongoing reference to managers as "bad" and comparing them to leaders has always been a popular topic for corporate workshops and LinkedIn posts. However, this reference fails to capture the true essence of these words. While management can be assigned as a title, leadership is an attribute that is earned through actions and behavior, regardless of one's official job title. In this blog post, we aim to shed light on this misconception and delve into the unique contributions of managers and leaders and how managers can traverse the path toward becoming true leaders.
Managers are individuals entrusted with the responsibility of achieving specific objectives by utilizing the available resources. They operate within established systems, overseeing and supervising operations. Conversely, leaders can envision a future, motivate and inspire others, and drive transformative change. They have the freedom and often operate beyond the confines of existing norms and derive their influence from personal attributes such as charisma and acquired competencies like instilling trust rather than relying solely on the power of their formal job titles.
Understanding the unique roles of managers and leaders allows us to explore the evolutionary trajectory that managers can follow, which includes five key stages:
Initially, a manager's main responsibility is to carry out tasks effectively. They prioritize immediate objectives and measure their success based on their ability to achieve results compliantly.
Once the manager has gained a strong understanding of the basics, they ascend to the role of an Organizer. This transition places a greater emphasis on streamlining systems and processes, aiming to enhance efficiency rather than simply maintaining effectiveness.
The manager's journey continues as they transition into the role of a Talent Manager. During this stage, they must strike a delicate balance between systems and people, understanding the importance of fostering team-building, enhancing employee engagement, and aligning skills. This marks their initial steps towards embracing leadership qualities.
At this stage, the manager has evolved into a Strategist. Their perspective widens to include long-term organizational goals, which they align with team objectives and market conditions.
The pinnacle of the managerial evolutionary journey is reached when a manager becomes a Visionary. These exceptional individuals possess the remarkable ability to peer beyond the present and envision forthcoming challenges and opportunities that may not yet be evident. Their visionary mindset inspires and motivates everyone around them to embrace the future and actively seek out what lies ahead.
The misconception that managers are inherently "bad" compared to leaders is not only misleading but also unjust. Managing is a complex skill set that plays a vital role in maintaining the operational efficiency of an organization. On the other hand, embodying leadership requires a distinct set of qualities that are earned through actions and behavior rather than being assigned, and to showcase them, one must be free from the constraints of the traditional middle management frame.
Gaining a deep understanding of the distinct roles and stages of managers as they evolve into leaders allows us to truly appreciate the invaluable contributions of middle managers and the unique value they bring to organizations. This well-rounded perspective not only enhances operational effectiveness but also lays the foundation for transformative leadership within the corporate landscape.