In How to Be a Great Boss, authors Renè Boer and Gino Wickman explain what defines leaders and managers, and describe the four elements of leadership and management.
Leadership
Management
Leadership
Great leaders set aside time to meet with their team to work “on” the business and set the direction for the next five to ten years.
They create openings so employees can see opportunity for growth and advancement. And, they slow down enough to actually “think” about where the business is and where it should be going.
Management
Great managers work “in” the business, setting “expectations” with their direct reports, and communicating frequently and with consistency. This is the “doing” of the day-to-day activities to deliver the company’s products or services.
Leadership
1.) I am giving clear direction – Y/N
2.) I am providing the necessary tools – Y/N
3.) I am letting go of the vine – Y/N
4.) I act with the greater good in mind – Y/N
5.) I am taking clarity breaks – Y/N
Management
When managing my direct reports:
1.) I keep expectations clear – Y/N
2.) I am communicating well – Y/N
3.) I have the right meeting pulse – Y/N
4.) I am doing quarterly one-on-ones – Y/N
5.) I am rewarding and recognizing – Y/N
Review and work to master these four elements of leadership and management, and you’ll see immediate results in your efforts. Like Boer and Wickman remind us, “Often, the only difference between a group of indifferent employees and a fully-engaged team comes down to one simple thing – a great boss.”