A511.1.3.RB_QuinnErin
Leadership verses Management
The video by Simon Sinek, “How Great
Leaders Inspire Action” introduced a different perspective on how leaders
inspire others. Sinek’s philosophy is “People don’t buy what you do but why you
do it.” His view is that effective
leadership answers the question why. At
first I didn’t really buy into what Sinek was saying, until he drew the diagram
of the golden circle. This visual drew me in to listen more intently.
“People don’t buy what you do but
why you do it.” Sinek kept repeating this throughout his presentation. The more
I listened the more I began to agree. Sinek’s point of view describes the
answer to my view. I believe some people are just “born leaders” I have
encountered several people throughout my personal and professional life that
others just love and would follow anywhere and do anything for. It isn’t their
genetics but rather their beliefs, values, and their purpose that drives people
to join. This theory is evident in
volunteer programs, non-profit organizations, and fundraisers of all kinds.
Leaders and managers should both
adopt this process for promoting inspiration in others. There is a fine line
between the differences of leaders and managers with in a company. Typically
you think of the hierarchy of managers and at the top should be the leader, or
the owner of the organization. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes
official titled managers act in many ways that describe a leader. For example,
a manager has to encourage his/her employees to continue to work hard each and
every day. Managers also inspire and help facilitate change in an organization.
Many employees respect and look up to their manager. Even though a leader and a manager can be
viewed as two separate entities, a larger organization is most successful when
they have both roles working effectively.
Yukl (2013) states, “Both roles are
necessary, but problems can occur if an appropriate balance is not
maintained. Too much emphasis on the
managering role can discourage risk taking and create a bureaucracy without a
clear purpose. Too much emphasis on the leadership role can disrupt order and
create change that is impractical.”
Both leaders and managers are in a position to
foster positive company culture and should use the golden circle theory to help
gain support. Leaders and managers should both adopt this process for promoting
inspiration in others.
References
Sinek,
S. (2009). How Great Leaders Inspire Action. Retrieved from:
Yukl, G. A.
(2013). Leadership in organizations (8th ed.). Boston: Pearson.
