June 4th, 2008
While yesterday's anecdote condemned
the virtues of a modernized vision of what a leader (or manager) is,
today's anecdote shows what a true leader's purpose is to accomplish.
A "leader" who treats their
group as "followers," suppresses or limits their growth, imposes
strict rules and guidelines and controls a large aspect of the lives
of that group, that is not a leader. They are a manager. A manager does
simply that: they manage, albeit a little too harshly.
Managers are solely focused on maintaining
the status quo. They do not appreciate extra effort yet they clamour
for it at the same time.
This paradox leads them to play politics
in order to sustain their position by acting meagerly towards those
who try to question their reasoning. They treat their staff like children,
opting to hold their hands, telling what they can do, how they do it
and when they can do certain actions. They even go so far as to offer
a scorning look when the "children" challenge their word.
They also cry like babies when they do not get their way and impose
strict punishments upon the "defiled challenger."
Now, a leader, on the other hand, does
the exact opposite. They do not burden themselves with egotistical flaws
nor put up a barrier around them. They in fact encourage their people
to challenge their visions and actively hold them to their words. Opposition
breeds progress.
Leaders encourage and prop-up the people
they guide. Therein lies the key word: guide. Leaders offer vision,
a sense of direction and noble stance towards a specific ideal and/or
path of action; they let the people move the boat/march and encourage
those to come walk beside them.
True leaders never have their backs
turned towards their people but rather walk side-by-side and/or always
look back to make sure everyone is there and intact. Often times they'll
take up the rear to ensure no sneak attacks from behind to dismantle
or send the group into disarray.
Leaders put aside their egos, pride
and immaturity in favour of guiding a group towards further greatness
and beyond.
What would you rather be:
A Manager or a Leader?
The choice shouldn't be that hard.
Home
| About | Return
to Anecdote-A-Day Main Page | Revive
the Human Factor with HR 3.0
