One Word Makes a Manager a Leader

One of the most frequent questions I get asked (and have heard being asked) is about the difference between Managers and Leaders. The internet is full of articles and information about both terms as well as that very question - what is the difference between a leader and a manager? The terms are used interchangeably in many settings. However, I do believe there is a distinct difference between the two.There are elements of both in each of the positions. Good Managers will, at times, be good leaders. And conversely, a good leader will have strong management skills. I could spend hours talking about the two and how they are similar or different, but I thought I would highlight one difference for today’s article.

A limiting factor

Managers ask the limiting question, “Can I do something, start something, address something…” Starting the question with ‘can’ is limiting from the start. First, it implies that what is about to be asked may not be possible. By asking the question in that way, ‘can I,’ transfers the responsibility for the decision to someone else. In this case, the person the manager is asking the question of has to decide. It is also limiting in the sense that the question can be answered with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response. Closed-ended questions almost always lead to closed possibilities.

An expanding and serving mindset

Leaders change the way they begin the question. They add a single word to the start - instead of ‘can I..’, leaders ask, ‘how can I?’ That one word changes how they approach the situation as a whole. It eliminates all of the limitations that come with asking, ‘can I.’ By adding ‘how’ it implies that whatever follows is doable, they just need to figure out what it will take to do so. It also ensures that ownership is not transferred to anyone but themselves. It is a personal accountability question as well as an ever-expanding challenge. Finally, ‘how can I’ is an open-ended question that requires discussion to answer. Discussion leads to possibilities and solutions.It may not just be a word that separates the two roles of manager and leader; rather, it is the mindset of the person asking the question. Limitation or expansion? One word changes the reference point from which you come - will you limit yourself or set yourself and those you serve free for any possibility?Do you lead with a ‘how can I’ mindset?Join other retail leaders in continuing their development journey with Effective Retail Leader.com. SUBSCRIBE today to receive FREE leadership tips directly to your inbox and monthly newsletters that provide many tools to help further develop your leadership skills all at no cost. JOIN NOW!No spam ever - just leadership goodness.Photo by Jasper van der Meij on Unsplash