Have you heard of many great managers of
the past? Probably much less than about great leaders. That is why “to manage”
and “to lead” are two distinguishing roles. They are both needed in society and
organizations.
The verb “to lead” has a great history down
to the philosophical writings from Plato's Republic to Plutarch's Lives in
which he explored the question “What qualities distinguish an individual as a
leader?” In one of my previous posts “China’s history and culture impacting
Leadership – 1”
(and following )
I've written about the Far East’ perception on leadership. And what internet
has to say about the verb “to lead”?
- To show the way to by going in advance
- To go first as a guide.
- To direct on a course or in a direction
- To guide someone or something along a way.
- To go before or with to show the way; conduct or escort: to lead a group on a cross-country hike
- To take the initiative; begin.
Therefore, an effective leadership is one
of the most important roles that contribute to overall organizational success.
It is rare and mostly overlooked as leaders do not bring immediate results but
rather have a long term view. They are good in innovating and creating
originals. Leaders are not the ones that blindly follow the organizational
rules – they develop new and challenge changes. A leader does not control but
motivates his followers as he is normally in possession of incredible social
intelligence. A great leader has a vision that allows him to set his sights on
the ‘things’ that truly merit attention in organization, market, environment
and society.
Some people may name all this attributes “a
charisma”. But, in my post “Leadership and Charisma” I claimed that “it is not about charisma but rather what kind of personality a
good leader has.” Leadership is not unique only to the top of organizational
pyramid. No, it can be on all levels. And this is the biggest distinguishing
difference that I consider when separating a management from a leadership.
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