Marry Leadership & Management

Even though leaders are often managers, managers are not necessarily leaders. Good day fam, today’s message may offend some, but trust – it will be good for youse, so here goes: Managers are not automatic leaders. In other words, one can only be deemed a leader if and only if they have this one requirement and that is…wait for it, wait for it… FOLLOWERS. Notice I didn’t say a title, experience nor talent, but rather followers. This is key because unfortunately, far too many folks ‘flex their authority,’ & embarrass themselves as the ‘HBIC,’ ‘The Man’ or whatever title one uses when they are feeling themselves, ‘Beyoncé-style.’

It’s a damn shame and comical at the same time when these ‘sad souls with titles’ (SSwaT) dismiss, condescend or are rude to those would-be followers because they are the authority figure and others are just not at their same level (stank face) … Boo, Bye! But know that this only happens when one is not ready for the responsibilities of the role. Moreover, it is unnecessary & uncalled for especially because everyone else sees the mask and knows the SSwaT to be the most insecure, easily intimidated, weakest link of all. Meanwhile, genuine leaders are individuals - with or without titles - whom influence, invest & inspire others to be the best (or worse) versions of their ownselves, not cultic clones.

Management (not to be confused with administrative support), is often unappreciated, underappreciated & the least rewarding position or skill, given one is first in line to executives and first POC to their direct reports… it is both an art & a science. Therefore, prior to accepting the assignment & responsibility of management it is imperative that you first know yourself. Are you well versed on encouraging others AND yourself? Are you generous with giving praise, are fair and informed when providing feedback and most of all, are you secure with who you are as a person AND a professional? Again, management is not for those hungry for glory, just the opposite. It mandates you to be a trusted, honest, transparent & mature confidant that can handle difficult conversations.

So, think about it: are you a leader or a ‘sad soul’ with a title? Be honest with yourself & don’t resent the reality even if you are the latter (it’s okay, it is part of learning). But if you are, TRANSFORM now. Get to know yourself, grow yourself, love yourself & more importantly, be yourself - unapologetically. Once that happens, you will become secure, see yourself in others, have compassion and command respect in both leadership and management.

To learn more on how to transform, contact kNashCONSULTING specializing in business training, establishment, growth and optimization.