Are you a Leader?

Are you really?  Do you think like a leader or do you think like a manager?  Do you act like a leader? Or do you act like a manager?

A leadership bias is very different from a manager bias.   Not too long ago, I watched a good friend struggle with the latter and I can tell you that the difference is night and day!  It turned a happy work environment into one of misery. My friend’s entire attitude shifted regarding a job that they once loved. Ultimately, they left that job for a competitor.  The departure was a huge blow for the team and the company.  It was sad to watch but, incredibly educational…one bad manager can spoil the bunch!

In the brick and mortar world, a poor leader can make work unrewarding and and unfulfilling. It can lead to low productivity and turnover.  In the direct sales world, a management mentality will suffocate a team and cause it to wither.  Whether in brick and mortar or direct sales, all of those in a position of authority will find that a leadership bias will help them garner greater results than a manager bias.

Leadership is not only apparent in how you lead but also in how you approach people and situations.

Makes people feel valued                                            Makes people feel demeaned
Grows people                                                              “Gets results” from people
Asks                                                                             Demands
Shows                                                                          Tells
Listens                                                                          Talks
Excels                                                                           Happy with the status quo
Celebrates the team                                                     Celebrates themselves
Empowers                                                                    Micromanages
Partners to find solutions                                              Must be the one with the solution
Open to new ideas                                                       “We have always done it this way”
Tackles any task                                                           Finds some tasks, beneath them
Needs to be effective                                                    Needs to be important
Looks at possibilities                                                    Looks at minimums/ requirements
Commands respect                                                     DEMANDS respect
Says “We”                                                                    Says “I”
Can lead from the rear                                                 Must be in front
Makes others feel important                                         Needs to feel important
Welcomes other views                                                 Rejects opposing views
Focuses on attributes                                                   Focuses on weaknesses
Points out successes                                                   Points out shortcomings            

Find your inner leader and {Fire} that manager!
~Michelle