From Management to Leadership

Just because you have a title like CFO or senior project manager does not make you a leader.

Moving from manager to leader can be an immense challenge. It’s a completely different way of being and interacting with others.

And being in the “corner office†does not make one a leader.

It’s a mindset shift. It’s open, expansive, visionary. A true leader brings out the best in his or her teams, whether that be a team of janitors or a global operations team.

When I first saw the infographic that accompanies this article, it got me thinking about the difference between the two. Both are necessary roles. A company needs the stability that managers can provide and the vision and innovation that leaders can provide.

When working with emerging leaders I often ask if their actions demonstrate leadership. Or are they designed to not rock the boat? Or are they more of an individual contributor level?

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.†– John Quincy Adams

What do you see as the difference between being a leader and being a manager?