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Some leaders are managers and some managers lead, but most do not. That’s my experience after 30+ years in franchising.
Leaders are rare, but they’re easy to identify. They are the folks who inspire and motivate while managing. They give people an edge that creates momentum, knowing that momentum generates progress. And they are the folks who buck the status quo if it’s the right thing to do.
Managers are Easy to Identify
Managers are not rare, but they, too, are easy to identify. They’re the folks who maintain the status quo. They manage the process without creating momentum. Managers just follow the script, they take direction, they follow the established procedures based on accepted standards. They almost always march to the drumbeat of some faceless person who’s really calling the shots. The manager sings the faceless one’s hype, often “spinning” the facts to suit their purposes. They will sometimes fail to tell the truth, or twist the truth, especially when there’s bad news.
Managers will have you believe they maintain an open door policy where all points of view will be heard and considered, but what they’re really doing is listening to figure out who needs to be managed! Some managers are also cheerleaders, but actually they are manipulators who lack the courage to be real leaders.
Look Out Leaders!
Managers can be easily replaced, but not so for leaders. Nonetheless, the leader who rocks the boat too often, who looks beyond the standards, who creates momentum, who holds people accountable, and who calls all the shots truthfully without “spin,” will most likely be replaced. By a manager!
Eventually, smart business owners (franchisors and franchisees) learn that people do not want to be managed, they want to be led. Top franchisors and franchisees lead rather than manage their employees. Franchisors have an added obligation to lead and not manage their franchisees–and that’s a huge hurdle for many.
Want to know how well a franchisor is doing as a leader? Just look at their retention figures–how many employees and franchisees are they losing?
Whether you’re a franchisor or a franchisee, keep in mind that everywhere you go you leave an aroma. Managers are prone to leave a stench!
Photo by Joel Olives
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