“If
your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more,
you are a leader.”
John
Quincy Adams
By
Tommie Saylor
Kennedy
High School Principal
Are
you a manager or a leader? A manager is one who “takes care of business”
and makes sure all the reports are properly completed, following the rules
because they are the rules.
A
manager does what they are told because they were told to do it. A manager is
great at taking care of paperwork, developing schedules and enforcing standards.
A manager does not care why a rule was broke, just that is was and that the offender
must be brought to justice. Managers observe. They do not participate,
they regulate. They are often reactive as opposed to being proactive.
There
is nothing wrong with being a manager, for managers are necessary for keeping
order, insuring productivity and making sure the organization is moving in the
right direction. They lead from within, surrounded by those with whom they
lead. Managers are practical realists and can play a good game of “gotcha.”
Leaders
are a little more radical and rebellious. They push boundaries. Leaders don’t
just follow the rules because they are the rules. Leaders question the rule and
want to know what purpose the rule serves. If the rule is a bad one or is
not aligned with the mission of the organization, the leader challenges the
rule and works to remove it.
A
leader is not afraid to stand out front and “tilt at the dragon” alone, hoping
that others will follow his lead. Where managers like what they do and are
good at what they do, leaders are passionate about what they do, and try to
build this passion in others.
Leaders
are not always looked upon fondly. We see George Washington as a great leader,
but in his time the British viewed Washington as a dirty little rebel meddling
in the affairs of the King. Leaders are always trying to do what is right, not
necessarily what is expected. Leaders are honorable, ethical and place
honesty and integrity above all other traits.
Leaders
put it all on the line, are often self-sacrificing and have incredible focus.
Leaders
are not afraid to be wrong, accept change if it benefits the cause, and are not
intimidated by others who want to lead with them. In fact, good leaders will
cultivate their followers to become leaders themselves. Essentially,
leaders lead from the front, challenge ineffective rules and procedures and keep
the goals of the organization in mind, build people up not break them down,
they are proactive not reactive. Most of all, leaders are dreamers.
Leaders
see what can be, not just what is, and they know how to get there.
So
the question remains, within your environment, are you a manager or a
leader? Or do you have traits of each, for they both have their merits. Make
yourself into the image you hold in your head.
What
starts here, changes the world. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence
by design.
