Managing vs Leading

This week I was out of my campus with the flu - I don't like being gone, but sometimes it can't be helped. When I returned, I learned a few things about my leadership "light" (I prefer that visual to the leadership "shadow", as it has a more positive, uplifting bent). I was missed - for the positive energy I bring, my willingness to get my hands dirty right along side my people, and my ability to see the big picture in the face of a lot of little details. It proves the saying that the best leaders are willing to follow.

As a leader, you can stand with your people, in front of them, or behind them. When you stand behind them, they cannot see you, your expressions, your movement, or if you are about to push them off the cliff. When you stand in front of them, they feel protected, but still cannot see your expressions, and therefore remain in the dark with regard to your intentions. When you stand with them, they can experience your intentions through side-by-side interaction. They can speak with you, rather than be spoken to. They can learn with you rathern than be preached to.

You can manage numbers - they don't talk back, don't need affection or care. People, however, need a leader - someone who will tell it to them straight, hold them up when they feel like they cannot go on any longer. They want someone whom they can count on for guidance, and at the same time is willing to be guided.

The best leaders are willing to follow.

Peace,

Shelly