Welcome to issue No. 081 of the Lever

I read something recently that I just can't shake:

It’s a fine line between the two.

And there is a level of cognitive dissonance created here that often gets ignored.

But first...

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Management is about systems

You create the systems through policies and procedures, then act as a steward of those systems.

The people in those systems are a component - interchangeable.

If (through the process of continuous improvement) the system is made to be "perfect" then it will run smoothly regardless of the humans doing the work.

Here is the first area of dissonance

Managers are more likely than leaders to talk about concepts of "respect" and "diversity" while at the same time constructing a system that reduces individuals to cogs in that system.

This minimizes and sanitizes out personal conflict. YOU don't have to fire people. The SYSTEM fires people.

"Sorry Bob, but that's our policy…"

If you continue too far down this path then eventually the system becomes the purpose. How you do things becomes more important than what you do.

The paperwork becomes more important than the job.

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Leadership is about people

It is about telling people the truth - to their face. It's about developing personal and professional standards and upholding them, even when it is hard to do so.

It requires a willingness to engage in emotionally charged situations while keeping your cool.

Here is the second area of dissonance

Leadership is thought of as hard charging, bold, and aggressive. But it's actually a people skill.

Becoming loud and aggressive or making threats isn't leadership. Its insecurity.

If you have to prove you are in charge it's because you know you are not.

The best leaders don't have to kick and scream. They stay calm while others panic.

That's leadership.

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Choose your hard

Most people would rather be managed than led.

It's easier.

This is a protective function. Once you understand the system you know how to respond, and you minimize any potential conflict.

When you screw up you can always blame the system.

Being led demands personal responsibility.

The real question is this:

Do you fear doing something wrong more than you value doing something well?

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As company's grow they will increasingly shift towards a management-based system.

Which is good news for everyone.

Its good news for managers who want the safety net that the system provides.

And its good news for leaders who are called to push the company forward from the front line.

You can choose which role you will play. Just understand what you are choosing and go in with your eyes wide open.

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p.s.

I've been working on some ideas around effective communication and have been re-reading a number of great books on the subject.

The line that inspired this article came from Conflict Communication, by Rory Miller.

Its a pretty involved read but worth the effort if you are trying to improve your EQ.

​Get it here.​

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