Managers are often given conflicting advice on how to successfully lead teams. Some leadership experts talk about the style of leadership required in the modern world to be changing. I think that misses some key points.

Most people will agree that being a manager is about position. Being a leader is about behaviour. Many will have experienced a manager who leads poorly and a team member who leads well.

If leadership is about demonstrated behaviour, then as we’re genetically no different to one thousand years ago, what made a good or poor leader then, would still seem to apply. Conversely the requirements of management have changed dramatically with ever more complex and wide-ranging issues.

One of the biggest mistake’s companies make is confusing management with leadership and investing in ‘management’ training with the expectation that it will create great leaders. It’s like giving someone ‘advanced driving training’ and expecting that to make them a great police officer.

#leadership #competency #management