Leadership and management are distinctive and complementary functions that are needed to achieve success in business. They work
together to ensure that, strategies, direction setting, planning, organizing, and implementation, work hand-in-hand. Successful businesses operate with a healthy understanding of the importance of both. Each has its own set of characteristics; each has defined competencies and skills necessary to drive business results.
What effective Leaders do:
- Challenge the process to change, learn, grow, and innovate
- Articulate and inspire a shared vision across diverse audiences (employees, customers, stakeholders)
- They shape the culture, don’t overanalyze, and make things happen more by influence rather than control
- Model the way by behaving in ways that align with values, and recognizing progress and wins
- Enable others to act by fostering collaboration through shared values and goals, and strengthening people through development and visible support
- Encourage hearts and minds by recognizing individual contributions and celebrating team accomplishments
- Create positive energy in others by motivating with action and enthusiasm, and inspiring people toward meaningful goals
- Leaders are high-energy people – they are focused, determined, like challenges, and enjoy their work
What Effective Managers do:
- Transition vision and strategy into clear, actionable goals
- Create order and consistency, are process focused
- Organize resources and activities to get things done and accomplish goals
- Eliminate roadblocks
- Attract and retain the best people
- Face difficult issues and are looked to for direction and leadership
- Handle stress effectively, are calm under pressure, and are viewed as a mature settling influence
- Managers are action-oriented, confident, and proactively act on opportunities
How would you grade leadership and management in your business? If leadership and management is an area you would like to work on, contact the Idaho Small Business Development Center today to begin working with a consultant.
About Debbie Winkler
Debbie joined the Idaho SBDC in February 2008. Her prior work experience includes the role of Business Improvement Consultant with Boise Business Consulting, a family-owned business. Prior to working in the family business, Debbie was Senior Vice President and Manager of National Consumer Training and Associate Development for Bank of America.
In addition, Debbie was Vice President and Manager of Business Banking for First Republic Bank, and Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Commercial Banking Group, for First Republic Bank (a predecessor of Bank of America). Debbie is a graduate of the University of Texas, Austin, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.
