Leading is not managing

A lot of leaders think they’re leading.

But they’re really just managing.

Managing sounds like:
“I need an update on this ASAP.”

Leading sounds like:
“What’s getting in your way, and how can I support you?”

Managing is about tasks.

Leading is about people.

If you find yourself caught up in task management, pause and ask yourself:

- Have I set clear expectations?
- Have I created space for ownership?
- Have I built enough trust to step back?

Great leaders don’t just focus on results.

They focus on the people who make those results happen.

So the next time you’re tempted to step in too much, shift your mindset:

Instead of managing the tasks, lead the people doing them.