Friday, January 9, 2009

OI Partners Newsletter: Leading vs. Managing


Leading vs. Managing

January 2009

In this issue:

Leading vs. Managing: Why Differentiate the Two?
Leading vs. Managing? Old Ideas, New Thoughts
Leaders are Always Originals
Managing and Leading Great Teams
Five Keys to Leadership in Business: More Than Just Managing

More than ever, successful organizations need dynamic leaders and effective managers. And, given the complexities of sustaining a growing and profitable business, we need to consider our own role and what it means to lead and manage in today's business climate. This month, we take a look at different perspectives on the issue of leading vs. managing. The articles presented are intended to give you additional insight into using your role to guide and maximize your value to your organization. Perhaps we may find that lately, the distinction between the two roles may not be as sharp as some may think. Maybe the issue is not leading vs. managing but rather, flexing our roles to ensure continuous alignment with the needs of our organization. Enjoy our newsletter and contact OI Partners for more ideas on how to support leadership and management development.

Sincerely,
Ronald F. Ennis, Ph.D., CMF
Jean Erickson Walker, Ed.D., CMF

OI Partners Newsletter: Leading vs. Managing Summary


Leading vs. Managing: Why Differentiate the Two?
Management is different from leadership, but what are the differences? The first step in answering this question is to understand what organizations need from people in leadership and management positions.

Leading vs. Managing? Old Ideas, New Thoughts
Today, leaders and managers are being challenged and tested in new and complex ways in response to global business changes. In light of this, it is likely that many leaders and managers are re-assessing what is expected of them and what the differences in their roles actually are, or should be.

Leaders are Always Originals
Is it possible to be both leader and manager? Yes, but one's natural instincts, personal characteristics, comfort zone and preference will be predominantly one or the other. In today's workplace, cascading leadership with assigned power and authority has been replaced with roving leaders who have people following them, regardless of title, knowledge or experience. The key is to identify the people in your organization that others seem to naturally follow and bring them into the fold.

Managing and Leading Great Teams
What's your unique blend of managing and leading? Are you paying attention to the four of basic competencies in human relationships in working with and through others? Your success in leading teams to greatness will be greatly enhanced if you do. Here we look at the four skills that authors Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus suggest are the common thread among leaders.

Five Keys to Leadership in Business: More than Just Managing
Whether you are the owner of your own business, the chief executive of a corporation, or a manager rising through the ranks, it is critical to develop your leadership skills. Great leadership produces great results. Here are five essential leadership skills necessary to master to become a great leader.