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The role of leadership is to be the custodian of the vision, the primary source of motivation, inspiration and discipline.

Let me briefly unpack the key words.

Custodian – refers to ownership and all the traits relating to this, such as accountability.

Would you agree that if people were to take ownership for what they do (regardless of whether or not they are ‘functionaries’), they would have acquired possibly the most important ingredient for their success in life?

Vision – a compelling heart-felt picture which captures one’s attention.

Motivation, inspiration – as expressed through engagement and commitment within an enabling environment.

Discipline – this is more about alignment to the purpose but also the personal disciplines around humility, delayed gratification, sacrifice etc.

On the other hand, the role of management is to be the custodian of the core competencies, the systems processes and procedures, which are designed to organize and control people.

Organizations require good managers, and they are essential to an organization’s success. However, you and I know that the majority of people do not like to be ‘controlled’. People are ultimately their own bosses. They may know more about the technical requirements and demands than their superiors and have an enormous amount of control over what they do and how much effort they put into what they do. When managers stifle people, they become complicit producing ordinary outcomes.

Leaders must know how to challenge and what motivates people to change their behaviour. This cannot be achieved by trying to command or cajole, but rather by guiding them to a new way of feeling, thinking and acting which is aligned to their personal desires, values and purpose.

Learning organisations practice this approach because they cherish committed behaviour, and its transformational qualities.

Ultimately leadership is about making a difference, although one does not truly make a difference unless it is in the lives of people.

Should you have missed the previous two posts on the importance of leadership and the purpose of leadership they are in the news section on my website (timshaw.co.za)

I am the author of Leading Self and Others (how to make a difference where you are with what you’ve got) and Teaming with ideas (life lessons in teams- from business, sport and parkrun). You can contact me here.