I have been travelling quite a bit over the past 3 weeks. Meeting people from many different sides of the cube; marketers, publicists, brand managers, directors, managers… A few of these conversations left an imprint.

I just finished reading “Leaders Vs. Managers” @ Lolly Daskals’ Blog (Lead From Within), and it did an excellent job of helping me hone in on why a few of the many conversations stud out and seemed more “refreshing” than others.

Don’t get me wrong, I do not expect every talk to leave a mark or linger in my thoughts for a while (though most do), but Lolly y so correct!

Her second to last “statement” sums it up nicely:

“Leadership begins where management ends and smart organizations value both and great organizations work hard to make each a part of their team.”

One mistake or oversight made all too often in organizations, is calling upon managers to be leaders, or leaders to be managers (yes, each has a percentage of one another). All is well… AS LONG as there is a clear definition of the roll and what is expected of it. Both rolls are valuable and so very needed, but if we take our eye off the ball and expect a dog to meow and a cat to bark… well, chances are we are going to end up quite frustrated.

That said. I find the “leader” types to be more passionate and inspiring in their demeanor; projecting that energy onto others in a very active way. “Managers” are more reserved, analytical and lean towards a behind the curtain range of action. These two pivotal profiles balance each other out. One prevents the other from going over board, while the other helps keep the spark alive, avoiding stagnation.

Just my humble point of view…. Now off to the airport. Catch you after the break.

[Picture by: Peter Nijenhuis]