Yesterday I read an interview conducted by Sky Magazine with LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner.

During the Q&A, Weiner discussed the difference between leaders and managers. In his own words, “Leadership, to me, is the ability to inspire others to achieve shared objectives. The important word there is inspire. The key difference between managers and leaders is that managers tell people what to do, while leaders inspire them to do it. Inspiration comes  from three things: clarity of one’s vision, courage of one’s conviction, and the ability to effectively communicate both of those things.”

Weiner’s words bring up two important questions for those who call themselves leaders. 

1 – Do you tell people what to do or inspire them to do what’s right? Many bosses flex the power of their position, coercing subordinates to fall in line. They mistakenly believe this qualifies them to be called a leader. It doesn’t. Leaders model the way, inspiring others to work alongside while demonstrating a genuine care and concern for the team. 

2 – Do you possess clarity of vision and courage rooted in conviction? Better yet, have you defined it for those you lead? Without being crystal clear on what you believe and why you believe it you will never inspire (nor lead) anyone. 

If you want to be “linked in” with someone, I encourage you to focus on those you lead. Start with clarity and courage. If you will, I suspect you won’t need to tell people what to do. 

You’ll inspire them. 

Leadership Begins at Home,

Randy

Why do you think so many bosses fall into the trap of ‘telling’ others what to do?

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