Sometimes you read stuff and it fits so perfectly all you are left with is: “I wish I had said that.”

Just as I was preparing my next followup article on how to make yourself unnecessary Linked-In published this blog post.  Since I couldn’t improve on it I will just share it.

If you are serious about empowering your staff to be more responsible and accountable you should print it out and post it where you will see it every day.  As you read it here are some things you should think about:

  •  Are you acting more like a manager or a leader?
  • What behaviors would cause your staff to take more responsibility?
  • What behaviors discourage initiative?
  • What behaviors create distrust and fear?
  • What behaviors establish mutual respect?

The Difference Between Leaders and Managers

It’s time to face the music as a manager: You don’t always have all of the right answers. Your “it’s my way or the highway” approach to management isn’t going to encourage anyone to help you in your problem solving endeavors.

Managers and leaders are often referred to synonymously, but only leaders allow their employees to solve problems with their own insight. The truth of the matter is this: Every leader may not be a manager, but every manager should be a leader. It’s easy to see that leadership and management aren’t the same thing, but a manager who lacks effective leadership traits will drive a business into the ground faster than you can count to 10.  Read More…