You've probably learned by now that all leaders are not managers and all managers are not leaders. While managers are concerned with the day to day operations and with meeting a firm's goals and objectives, leaders are concerned with long term vision. Managers plan, organize, staff, budget and solve problems. Leaders inspire and motivate to produce change, change that meets long term strategies. Leaders influence the thoughts, emotions and actions of other people.
Leaders can come from any position or level in a business or company - from senior level management all the way to the lowest level employee. We often think that people are "born leaders." While there are some charismatic people who have natural abilities and powers to motivate and inspire, leadership skills can be learned! While we might not be able to change basic personality, we all can learn certain skill sets that help us to be leaders.
We will examine some of the skills sets we need to lead and to manage effectively. a report approximately 2 page in length, using APA style, that addresses the following points. Your report should include a cover page and a reference page in addition to the 2 page of content.
- Distinguish between a manager and a leader.
- Identify two people you consider to be excellent leaders.
- What skills do they possess that would contribute to the success of a company.
- Examine your own potential to be a manager and to be a leader.
- What skills and traits do you possess that allow you to manage and to lead?
- Why would a company want to hire you?
- How would you be an asset to the company?
- Where should you improve?
- Let's assume that you have started your own business or that you are the manager of a department where you currently work. As a business owner or manager, what single most important step would you take to ensure that your employees are motivated and pleased with their job?