Do Not Disturb! (Management vs Leadership) – By Arnie Wohlgemut
Was “Do Not Disturb” written all over your face or in your behaviour? Did you hibernate in your office? Did you avoid doing the difficult duties or avoid having the difficult conversations?
I believe that during this health and economic crisis and long after the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, we will clearly see the benefits of strong and trusting workplace relationships between employers and their staff.
“Extremely challenging times – like the crisis we’re facing right now – represent the greatest leadership test. Regardless of whatever our community is, we have now the opportunity and obligation to display leadership.”
Andreas von der Heydt
It is in the intentional do not disturb behaviour where the most striking difference between management and leadership can be seen.
Relationships from a management perspective focus on outward behaviour. If you want to be a better manager, you will focus on not only your outward behaviour but also that of your team. You will rely on systems and delegation to achieve the outcomes that benefit primarily you. You will measure success on sales, profits margins, performance matrices and other similar lag measurement techniques. Managers who think this way have the Do Not Disturb look on their face or in their behaviour.
Relationships from a leadership perspective require inward transformation. If you want to be a better leader, your focus will be on strengthening your character. These are the essential leadership skills that allow you to inspire your team to new levels of commitment and performance, and provide you the opportunity to empower them. You will focus on lead measures that can predict an outcome – a stronger more resilient team. Your team becomes your community! Leaders will look for ways to serve their community and remove barriers that serve no purpose.
“We need to take down our “Do not disturb” signs … snap out of our stupor and come out of our coma and awake from our apathy.”
Vance Havner
In my view, a strong and trustworthy team is built on a strong mutual relationship between an employer and their staff. Having a healthy workplace relationship is essential to your continued success.
It’s never too late to start!
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