Don’t Be Fooled: Leadership and Management Are Not the Same

Leadership Question 2
How can competent managers become exceptional leaders?
There are a few key steps that competent managers can take to become exceptional leaders:
- Develop your leadership skills: Leadership involves a range of skills, including communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. Identify areas where you can improve your leadership skills, and seek out opportunities to develop those skills. This might involve taking leadership courses or workshops, seeking out mentorship or coaching, or simply observing and learning from other effective leaders.
- Communicate clearly and effectively: Good communication is essential for effective leadership. Make sure you are clear and concise in your communication with your team, and be sure to listen to and consider their ideas and feedback.
- Foster a positive and inclusive work culture: A positive work culture is essential for team morale and productivity. As a leader, it’s important to create a positive and inclusive environment where team members feel valued and supported.
- Lead by example: The most effective leaders are those who lead by example, setting high standards for themselves and demonstrating the behaviors and values they expect from their team.
- Empower your team: Great leaders empower their team members to take ownership of their work and make decisions. This helps to foster a sense of responsibility and ownership, and can lead to greater creativity and innovation.
By focusing on these key areas, competent managers can become exceptional leaders who are able to inspire and motivate their teams to achieve great things.

The most effective leaders are those who lead by example…
– James M. Kerr