Too often we hear – or maybe even say, “they’re in a leadership position“. At best, this is misleading. At worst, it’s flat out wrong. Your title makes you a manager. Your role makes you a leader.
Positions for Managers
A title defines a management position. If you are in an executive, director, or manager position, you have responsibility for managing schedules, objectives, and assets. Positions and titles can be given or offered by organizations.
Roles for Leaders
Your role defines your leadership. If people follow you, regardless of your title, you are a leader. Your title could place you at the lowest level on the totem pole, but you may still be a leader. Roles and influence must be earned from those you lead.
It is well understood that management is not the same as leadership. So let’s stop suggesting a position identifies a leader. Your position makes you a manager but your role makes you a leader.
