Managers SUCK… Yep, let’s address the elephant in the room right away!
I’ve always found it interesting how many times people interchangeably use the words leader the terms “leadership” and “managing.” But make no mistake—they’re not the same. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial for creating human-focused, thriving teams and achieving sustainable success. I was taught by one of my mentors that managing involves processes, systems, and efficiency. It consists in ensuring tasks are completed on time and within budget. However, leadership involves inspiring, empowering, and guiding people toward a shared vision. While managing keeps the wheels turning, leadership drives innovation and growth. So, in a nutshell, we should manage processes and systems, NEVER people, because leading is ALL about enabling and uplifting people! If more people understood and subscribed to these definitions, it would never lead to the dreaded term… Micromanagement!
The Value of Strong Management
Strong management is vital to ensuring that an organization runs smoothly. By focusing on processes, systems, and efficiency, managers create a structured environment where tasks are executed effectively and resources are optimized. This operational backbone allows teams to meet deadlines, maintain quality standards, and stay within budget—essential elements for achieving organizational goals. While leadership may set the vision, management ensures that the journey toward that vision is systematic and reliable.
Micromanagement Is A Recipe for Failure
One of the most common pitfalls of managing (especially first-time managers or executives) without leading is micromanagement. Yes, I’ll even admit that my first time as a VP was a disaster! Why? it came down to “doing what I thought a VP was supposed to do” vs. doing what it was that made me a leader that my previous teams would not only follow but run through a wall for because I showed them that I cared about them as people, not just titles or roles on an org chart. Besides the obvious, why was me being a micromanager so deflating? What I didn’t realize was that getting too involved in the details of my team’s work sent an unspoken message: “I don’t trust you to do this on your own.” This lack of trust can be incredibly deflating for employees. It stifles creativity, erodes confidence, and creates a culture of dependency. When people feel micromanaged, they’re less likely to take initiative or think outside the box—which ultimately hinders the organization’s success. The best leaders are the ones who groom, grow, and then trust their teams enough to highlight their skills to be the best people and employees that they can be. The other trait of a strong leader is that they verbalize to their teams that not only will they make mistakes, but they’re expected to make them. Not only does this put an enormous amount of pressure on your team, but it also shows a great mix of IQ and EQ!
5 Reasons Why Leading Is More Productive Than Managing
- Empowers Decision-Making: Leaders delegate decision-making authority, which speeds up processes and builds trust within the team.
- Fosters Innovation: By focusing on vision and inspiration, leaders create an environment where creativity can flourish, leading to breakthrough ideas.
- Builds Ownership: Employees who feel guided rather than controlled take greater ownership of their work and outcomes.
- Encourages Growth: Leaders invest in developing their team members, enabling them to learn and take on greater responsibilities.
- Creates Resilience: Leadership builds adaptive, empowered teams that can handle challenges effectively without constant oversight.
The Bottom Line
The best teams have both strong management and effective leadership. While management ensures that tasks are completed efficiently and drives operational success, leadership inspires teams to foster innovation and achieve more than they thought possible. By focusing on trust, empowerment, and vision, you can transform your team’s potential and create a thriving culture.
Ready to become a stronger leader? Roderick Jefferson & Associates can evaluate how you’re engaging with your team and provide leadership coaching that can help them exceed their goals. Reach out today to start planning and ensure your sales organization is primed for success! Together, we can elevate your team and crush 2025!!
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