The MAN in Manager

I knew the title would get your attention! 

So much has been written about leading vs. managing, and the general consensus is that managing is the undesirable stepchild; whereas “leading” is the gold standard. The truth, however, is that both are critically important, even if they mean different things.

The root word in leading is LEAD, which means two basic things. I am going somewhere AND someone is following me. If no one’s following, then I’m just taking a walk!

Leaders focus on the destination. The vision. And they influence others to follow them towards that vision. That’s incredibly important!

To manage, on the other hand, is completely different, but just as important. For it to make sense, let’s break down the etymology of the word. The root word in manage is “man,” which comes from the Latin word, “manus.” Manus means “hand.”

Several English derivatives emanate from that word, including MANicure, MANufacture, MANuscript, and MANual, among others.

So, to manage, essentially means to handle or get things done. Think of delegation, process management, scheduling, budgeting, mentoring, coaching, etc. The majority of your role most likely is rooted in management activities.

However, the problem is when we treat people like they are “things.” People are not things; and you will run into a break wall of resentment and bare-minimum effort when you do so.

If your team is your biggest resource to get things done, then treat everyone on your team like they are, in fact, valuable.

Invest in them. Coach them. Challenge them.

The most successful managers are consumed with asking themselves, “How can I help you be at your BEST?

Takeaway: Let everyone on your team know how valuable they are…and treat them as such.

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