Quit Managing. Start Leading.

Leadership Guru Warren Bennis defines leadership as, “the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Let’s add to that. The leader’s role is to cast vision, provide resources, remove obstacles, drive execution, and deliver results. Most people would much rather be led than managed. What’s the difference? Visualize standing over someone versus walking beside them. Don’t just tell them you’re in it with them – they need to feel that you’re in it with them.

How? Here’s something simple. Ask people, “What can I do for you today?” Ask it daily. And when they need something, do it. Promptly. This doesn’t mean you’re going to do their work, nor does it mean they aren’t accountable for their results. Rather, it demonstrates to them that you’ve made that oh-so-important shift.