Are You A Leader, Manager, Or Both?

You've either been chosen, selected, or elected to some position of leadership. So, what do you do next? Will you choose to be a real leader, a manager, or some combination of both? What are the advantages and/ or disadvantages of pursuing any particular approach or direction? Have you given yourself a checkup from the neck up, and determined what you are best - fitted and qualified for, and precisely what you are ready, willing and able to do? Can you escape the limitations of your personal, comfort zone, in such a way, where you might best serve the greater and best interests of your organization, and its stakeholders? Will you be a leader, manager, or both?
1. Leader: We generally observe far fewer true leaders, than we do any other types of individuals! These individuals must be trendsetters, setting the example he wishes others to follow. While maintaining absolute integrity, he must also continuously focus on motivating both actual, as well as potential constituents, providing them with a compelling reason to either rejoin (if membership has lapsed), join, participate to a greater degree, remain involved, and view the group as important, relevant and sustainable. In addition, a leader clearly articulates a vibrant, vital vision, which attracts others in a positive, motivational, inspiring way. True leaders unite others, rather than polarizing them! They create policy, which focuses on needs, concerns and priorities.
2. Manager: Are you organized well enough to make your group, more efficient and effective? Even the greatest ideas, without an implemented plan, will not bring forth the most desirable results! While a leader must inspire, create ideas, consider ramifications, and motivate/ inspire, a manager transforms ideas to viable, realistic, implemented plan.
3. Both: Ideally, this would represent and create, the best of both worlds! Successful leaders must either personally be organized sufficiently, to efficiently and effectively manage what needs to be done, in a reliable manner, or must delegate, appoint or hire, the most qualified people available, to bring ideals to fruition. Beware, however, there is sometimes a somewhat fine line between leaders who proficiently/ effectively manage, and those who tend to micromanage. While it is important for someone in a position of leadership to avoid merely spinning his wheels, and thus wasting time, money and energy, he must avoid getting bogged down with minutia, and capably delegate duties and responsibilities to capable individuals.
Never believe great leadership is overly simple or automatic! It requires the right type of person, who maintains the assets, attitudes and self - confidence, to become the best leader he can possibly be!

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