In my work I am frequently asked what the difference is between managers and leaders. I believe that we all have the capacity to lead and that managers can, and need to be, great leaders. At least those managers that are given the opportunity to display leadership skills in their positions.

Some differentiators are:

• Leaders create change, managers react to change.
• Leaders persuade while managers communicate
• Leading is about effectiveness. Managing is about efficiency
• Leadership is setting a direction, while managing is planning
• The leader develops while the manager maintains the status quo
• The leader has a long-range perspective while a manager has a short-range view.

Managers maintain the status quo while those who possess high impact leadership qualities take their organizations to new heights.

Few people are natural born leaders. Leadership qualities can be learned. Here are some of the qualities I think are critical in a high impact leader.

• Maximizing personal potential. Identify your values and live by them. Find the values that your team shares with each other and live by them
• Create a shared vision and focus. Take your followers along with you and develop a forward agenda.
• Be innovative. Being creative alone doesn't work today. A leader must learn to be innovative.
• Be a persuasive communicator. A leader must learn to sell the vision they have. You must help others see the vision clearly and be clear and consistent in your communication of the vision.
• Allow open teamwork. You must enable your follower to fully cooperate and collaborate. Develop and practice a strategy for creating a team of leaders. Share respect.
• Know that as you are the motivator and must stay motivated. Remember that what you do is about being in service to those around you. It is fulfillment through contribution.

"The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." – Ralph Nader

Step into leading and play a Bigger Game in your life…don't wait…model leadership…the World needs us to do this.

Lead strong!

Pat

Qualities of a Good Leader

According to Merriam-Webster Inc., a leader is defined as “a person who has commanding authority or influence”. This definition, however, is very vague as well as void of the important individuality that each person brings to the concept of leadership. It is for this reason that the qualities of a “good leader” are difficult to define. Each individual comes to the table with different leadership styles, experiences, and philosophies. What is important is that each leader takes the time to evaluate not only his or her own leadership strengths and weaknesses, but also the needs and dynamics of the groups with which they will be working. The exercises here will help you to determine what leadership skills are important to you and what kind of leader you may be or want to become.

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• One of my favorite TED Talks: Elizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity
  
• Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know by John C. Maxwell

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"Pat is a superb coach. She is one of those rare breeds who do well not only in one-on-one coaching but also in facilitating groups and developing teams. She helps people negotiate periods of transition with purpose and with grace. Her breadth of experience and knowledge is a great asset to any organization or individual that works with her."

~ Heidi Eisips,
Business Entrepreneur

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