by Katherine Miller

Created on: January 14, 2010   Last Updated: January 16, 2010

Being a manager does not make you a leader.  You may be in charge but true leadership is defined by what you bring to your position, not what you are told to bring to your position.  There are many managers in this world because they were put in the position due to necessity in the market place, natural progression on the corporate ladder, being in the right place at the right time or for the good ole reason, you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.  A manager does not magically make you a leader, because of position or a name tag.  Leadership is developed and earned, and there are few that truly define being a leader.  For the most part, leaders are born to be leaders, but it is the road they take that truly defines how great they will be. 

Managers are the formulation of need, they are required for accountability of employees. Managers allow business to focus more on the bigger picture by allowing them to control smaller sections of the business structure.  This leads managers to having a somewhat loose belief that because they are in charge that they have leadership skills, rather than being in a leadership position.  To be even clearer, the MOST VALUABLE LEADERS are not managers at all, never are, will or have been.  So why is this?  In the corporate world that Western Society thrives in, there seems to be no other definition of a person, than by their occupation.    If we are to be truly great leaders, then we should be great in every aspect or at least consistent in every aspect of our lives, work, home and play.  How often have you heard someone say 'oh they are so much nicer when they are not at work'.  You can be "nice" and still be a manager and/or leader.  It is about understanding your position.

If you are a Manager, ask yourself, and be honest, who likes you and why? What's that, you don't care? Well it is a human's nature to care, and you do, but be careful who likes you, and why they like you.  For the most part, it is not about anyone liking you, it is about creating a respectful atmosphere that is a two way street.  You can pretty much never get everyone on board, but if you work toward a common goal, with clear and open communication, that is relevant to everyone you manage, and being just as much a part of the team as anyone else, then you are on your way to becoming a leader.

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