Leading others...managing yourself

What is the role of leaders and educators? So many books to buy on the book shelves, but which one is going to help me become a leader and not a manager?

Power in leadership is the basic energy needed to initiate and sustain action it's the capacity to translate intention into reality and sustain it. Leadership is the wise use of this power. I've seen leaders try to get things done by "beating up" on employees with negativity and criticism. It never works.

Let's look at Lee Iacocca when he provided the leadership to Chrysler. He transformed a company from bankruptcy to success. He created a vision of success and mobilized key employees to align behind the vision. These are the first steps in change management! With hard work, passion, and commitment of Iaccoca he had the company turned around making a profit, boosted employee morale, and helped employees generate a sense of meaning in their work. He empowered them.

When you have effective leadership it motivates organizations from current to future states, create visions of unlimited possibilities, and it instills employees with commitment to change. Leaders are not born. They emerge when the business faces new problems that need new solutions. They assume responsibility. They direct change and build confidence and empower their employees to seek new ways of doing things. They overcome resistance by communicating the vision and the possibilities of a better future, they bring out confidence in all employees.

The future is now...are you a leader or are you just managing status quo?