Leadership and management, while often viewed as synonymous, are different administrative capacities with two different sets of competencies and core values. Each one of us “manages” in some form or another. We manage homes, we manage bills, we manage our vehicle maintenance, taxes, and taking care of our sick parents or children. In fact, I would go as far as to say Outlook, Alexa, and my children are fantastic managers for me; without which, I would be lost and never remember anything! For all intents and purposes, I do not need or want another manager in my life. However, having someone who helps me stay focused on accomplishing my goals, or on becoming more tomorrow than I am today, is guidance I welcome any time.
Genuine leadership comes from any level within the organization and does not require a title or position to be effective. Simply put, leadership is having the ability to positively influence and inspire a person to move in the same direction as the team or organization. At the heart of it, the core values of the most effective leaders consist of the following:
#1 Integrity: Doing the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the circumstance.
#2 Responsibility: Making business decisions in the interest of all stakeholders.
#3 Compassion: Having the disposition to help others understand and be successful.
#4 Forgiveness: Creating an even playing field; no one is better than anyone else, and we all make and learn from our mistakes.
