Leaders versus Managers

As my readers probably know, I recently graduated with my MBA from Eastern Kentucky University.  One of the primary goals of the program was to prepare individuals to work as leaders in virtually any industry.  But throughout my entire degree program, the term "leader" was never fully defined.

Why?  Because the term "leader" can apply to so many things.  A leader may be someone who inspires his employees to work harder, longer, and better.  It may be a politician who works to convince people he is the best person to lead them into prosperity.  But what about those people who don't hold elevated titles?  Can they not count as leaders as well?

What about the call center rep who sends emails to his coworkers, sharing tips and tricks he learned to more effectively help customers?  What about the employee who puts snow tires on his truck, and goes and picks up other coworkers who can't get to work due to the weather?  Are these not leaders?  They don't have the title, sure.  But that doesn't mean they aren't leading others.  

So how do I define leadership?  Quite simply, a leader is someone who inspires people to follow them.  That's it.  A title may make someone a manager, but only actions can make someone a leader.  The good thing is, those of us who see ourselves as "born leaders" don't have to wait until they become a manager to start leading others.  Change can happen from the bottom just as easily as it can from the top.  Whether it is having the confidence to tell your boss about a new process you've come up with or sitting with coworkers on lunch to come up with new ways to improve performance, you can find ways to be a leader regardless of job title.  

And don't forget, many managers are leaders as well.  And for the most part, those people were leaders long before they received their promotion.  So for those readers who want that management position and aren't sure how to get it, my advice is simple: Lead first, and everything (and everyone) else will follow.

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