Arlene’s Executive Leadership Training Tips

Two Tips For Balancing Leadership and Management

This past year much has been discussed in leadership books for women about the difference between Leadership and Management.  Simply stated managers are responsible for getting the “job done”.  Leaders “set the tone and stage” for it all to happen and “ensure” it comes to pass.  Unless you’re part of a very large organization most managers usually wear both hats. This is not always easy to do and over time usually creates overwhelm and stress. 

How can small business owners and executives accomplish all that is needed to fulfill these roles? First they must understand the difference between being a leader vs. manager. In my executive leadership training I discuss the top skills needed by managers and leaders.  They are below:

Managers:

1. Establish systems and organizational structures
2. Problem solve
3. Manage processes
4. Set goals and enforce the budget
5. Coach subordinates

Leaders:

1. Set direction and mission
2. Create visions for the future
3. Communicate to and align stakeholders
4. Motivate
5. Energize

Two major tips for balancing being a leader and manager follow:

1. Delegate as much of your managerial skills as possible.  Whether you are a single entrepreneur or run a department of 50, you cannot do it all alone.  Find the right people to support you.  Too many entrepreneurs use the excuse of not having enough money.  This is limited thinking.  In the end this is what causes your demise. 

 

2. Devote a minimum of a half to one hour a day towards “thinking and creating”.  This might include taking a temperature check of clients and/or subordinates.  Motivate and energize yourself by reading articles rather than doing emails. If you are motivated, the people around you will stay motivated including your customers and clients. 

This entry was posted on Monday, December 5th, 2011 at 9:00 am and is filed under Pearls of Wisdom. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.