Leadership development

Many leaders need to get better at something they know little about. 

Leadership author Warren Bennis argues that leaders must constantly seek to develop themselves as individuals. And importantly, he observes that being a manager does not necessarily provide the best training for being a leader. In other words: many leaders need to get better at something they know little about.

Bennis says: “There is a profound difference between management and leadership, and both are important. To manage means to bring about, to accomplish, to have charge of or responsibility for, to conduct. Leading is influencing, guiding in a direction, course, action, opinion. The distinction is crucial.”

In his book, “Learning to Lead: A Workbook on Becoming a Leader”, Bennis illustrates some specific differences between managers and leaders, such as the following paired contrasts:

The manager administers; the leader innovates.
The manager maintains; the leader develops.
The manager focuses on systems and structures; the leader focuses on people.
The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust.
The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range perspective.
The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why.
The manager has his or her eye always on the bottom line; the leader has his or her eye on the horizon.
The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it.
The manager is the classic good soldier; the leader is his or her own person.

Whether or not you agree with every one of these contrasts, it is apparent that clear distinctions can be made between management and leadership. Importantly, this means that leaders must focus on developing entirely new skills and competencies in order to improve. Self-development and training are thus of vital importance to leaders, particularly those coming from management backgrounds.

Leaders must also know their limits. Many may feel pressured to be good at everything, from knowing how to lead to the ins and outs of finance, marketing or operations. On the contrary; Howard Schultz, founder of Starbucks, says that Bennis once told him that leadership relies on “your ability to leave your own ego at the door, and to recognise the skills and traits that you need in order to build a world-class organisation”. This admission helps to identify areas for self-development, and also allows you to surround yourself with people who possess the skills you are lacking. Leadership is thus a journey of self-awareness, self-development and learning. And as Bennis puts it, leaders should possess “the capacity to adapt and change”.

Think about the differences between management and leadership, and list out the things that make leadership different, difficult or challenging. This list could ultimately represent a personal development plan which helps you to become a better leader. And remember: know your strengths and weaknesses, ask for help, and look out for ways to continually learn, adapt and change.

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