Are You A Leader Or A Manager Of Your Life?

Are you a leader or a manager of your life? There is a difference between leadership and management. In management, you instruct people to do things and provide a reward – salary or in some cases commission and/or bonus. In leadership, you compel and assist a person to become more of who he or she is and sometimes the reward is a salary or in some cases commission and/or bonus and sometimes the reward is intrinsic only.

A leader influences the behavior and work of others within a group effort toward achievement of specific goals in a given time frame. You can be a leader by virtue of the qualities you possess. For example: A club, class, social or business organization, etc.

A manager performs five functions to achieve goals, i.e. Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing and Controlling. Leadership is an integral part of these functions. Managers can be a true manager only if she/he has traits of a leader as well. A manager, at all levels, is expected to be the leader of work groups so that subordinates are willing to carry out instructions and accept the manager’s guidance. A person is a leader by virtue of all his/her qualities. Thus, a person can be both a leader and a manager – each role has a different function. Leadership and management are analogous to sales and marketing; each serves different organizational purposes or functions.

It has been said, ‘All managers are leaders, but all leaders are not managers.’ That is true of oneself as well. You can self-manage and get things done, or you can self-lead and compel and assist yourself to become all that you can be – who you truly are.

Are you both a manager and a leader of your life? As in any well run enterprise both attributes need to be well developed and honed to provide the best outcome. Do you reward yourself when achieving small or big personal goals? If not, consider it. No food for a reward. Reward yourself with a long soak in the tub, a message, reading for part or an entire day, if your circumstances allows it. Spend more time with a friend than usual. There are many easy and inexpensive ways to reward yourself.

Pause and ponder how you can become a better manager and leader of your life.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Metaphysician – Certified Hypnosis Practitioner, Author and Speaker. Dr. Dorothy facilitates clearing blocks, fears and limiting beliefs. You can live the life you deisre. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one’s thoughts and feelings. http://www.gen-assist.com