“Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.” 

— John Maxwell, leadership coach, speaker and best-selling author.

The debate has been going on for decades—what is the difference between being a manager and a leader?

Google, “What is the difference between a leader and a manager?” and in 0.78 seconds you will have about 30.6 million results. Needless to say we cannot begin to tackle such a huge topic here.

However, I would like to challenge you to consider the basic difference between the two and see where you find yourself.

As a manager you focus more on managing processes. You will be focused on people doing work in compliance with the processes or systems laid down for getting the work done. Managers focus on managing resources such as, people, time, finances, etc.

While leading will include managing some processes, as a leader you will give more of your time to what leaders are actually hired to do; that is, influencing and motivating your followers to achieve the goals of the organization.

If you can’t influence others, they won’t follow you. And if they won’t follow you, you are
not a leader. That’s the Law of Influence. No matter what anybody else tells you, remember that leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.  (Maxwell, 1998, p.20).

If leadership is influence, that suggests that leadership is more personal and less positional.

So, if leadership is nothing but influence we can conclude with confidence that position
in an organization does not automatically create the ability to lead; to influence. This is why many positional leaders are very busy doing most of the work; because they don’t know how to influence those around them to share in it. They are more managers than leaders. (Reddaway, Sean. Personal and Leadership Development: The Foundations for Continuous Growth (Kindle Locations 62-71). Kindle Edition.

One challenge most leaders have is not being able to make this very important distinction. They often resort to the power and authority that came with their leadership to get people to do what they want. But what they often fail to realize is that people are more likely to follow them if they lead with influence instead.

Leadership refers to an individual’s ability to influence, motivate, and enable
others to contribute toward organizational success. Influence and inspiration separate leaders from managers, not power and control. (Vineet Nayar, HBR, August, 2013).

Leading requires you be an example of the things you desire to see in your followers. If you want them to be on time, be on time. If you want them to show respect for others and treat others with love and grace, then you must do the same. Your influence rather than your power and authority will most likely lead people to follow and take risks with you.

Telling people what to do does not inspire them to follow you. You have to appeal to them, showing how following you will lead them to their hearts’ desire. They must want to follow you enough to stop what they are doing and perhaps walk into danger and situations that they would not normally consider risking. (Changing Minds).

Are you leading your team or are you managing them? Are they inspired to follow you because of the way you have been influencing them, or are you using your power and authority to make them deliver what you want? If people are following because they fear the power and authority you hold over them, it will be only a matter of time before your organization begins to slow down, if it hasn’t already, because people will be demotivated and uninspired.

Time for a reality check: Ask the people you have been leading what it is about you that makes them follow you? Ask them to be honest.

If you would like help in achieving your goals in any area of your life, call us at 208-880-0307 or email us at errol@errolcarrim.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session. To read Errol’s other posts, visit Christ-Centered Life Coaching.

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