Module 1 focused on defining leadership and how it compares with management. It also focused on the idea of leadership versus management. Many people have discussed and studied these areas. The simple act of defining leadership is quite an interesting as well as difficult task. On a daily basis many people are faced with the complex task of being in charge of others working toward a common goal. But what would you call that person? Are they a leader? Are they your manager, a boss, chief, or supervisor? This is the question that has puzzled people who study this. Warren G Bennis who is the founding chair for the Leadership Institute at the University of Southern California stated "Management is getting people to do what needs to be done. Leadership is getting people to want to do what needs to be done." (Guide, 2015). John C. Maxwell believes that the most important part of leadership is influence (Maxwell, 2012). What makes a good leader is his or her power to influence people to want to move toward the common goal. I believe that looking at leadership versus management in these two ways in spot on. Given the proper position and authority anyone has the ability to manage. People will follow the direction and comply with a manager for some time however, if the manager is not good or the people do not feel they need to comply anymore than the manager has lost his or her power. However, a leader makes people believe in their cause or vision and motivates people to want to accomplish the mission. Whether it be a military leader on the battle field or Gary C. Kelly the CEO for Southwest Airlines motivating his people to believe in their people first mission. A leader makes things happen. They create a sense of belonging and people want to be a part of the team. The video assigned for this had a great message in "Why" we do what we do (Sinek, 2009). The "Why" factor is what sets apart a good leader from a manager. During the video Steve Jobs was discussed and how he was let go from apple because they did not feel he was the right leader. Only for the company to come close to bankruptcy was Jobs brought back only to make it one of the richest and most successful companies on Earth. So as the differences between a leader and a manger may be hard to define however, when viewed in application it is very relevant.
Maxwell, J. (2012). John C. Maxwell Defines Leadership.
[Data file]. Retrieved from:
http://www.success.com/videos/john-c-maxwell-defines-leadership
Study Guide for Promotion to Senior Master Sergeant. (2015). [Data file]. Retrieved from:
http://www.studyguides.af.mil/Portals/15/documents/Study_Guides/2015_Testing_to_SMSgt_Study_Guide.pdf?ver=2016-02-10-104542-713
Sinek, S. (2009). Start with why -- how great leaders inspire action. Video File. Retrieved from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA&feature=share&list=PL42F8562DCD3CCEA8
