Discussion Journal #9

This week we focused on management and leadership. Compared to popular belief, those who are managers aren't necessarily leaders and those who are leaders aren't necessarily managers. Being a leader means you're going to lift people up, be inspirational and someone people aspire to be. Being a manager means you are by the book, you have structure and the goal is to get things done. Most work places see failure when managers aren't leaders, as there is no inspiration and the moral of the team is quite low.

While doing this week's reading I was at work, and I had to run to show my manager what I was reading. We have had a lot of issues at work lately and our upper management has been quite horrible. They have backed off on everything they believed in. They aren't following our mission, vision or values. They have been yelling rather than explaining. Our one manager Tyler he is a true leader, more a leader than a manager, and he has always been on our side. I showed him the quote from Kotter's reading: "Management controls people by pushing them in the right direction; leadership motivates them by satisfying basic human needs." Tyler agreed and was shocked at how that one quote was exactly how our workplace has fallen to be. Previously our head manager believed in empowerment and we make our decisions, now it's chaotic and extremely controlling. This whole week has been such a reflection to leadership in my own life, in my workplace and as being captain of my swim and dive team.

Since being reminded of truly what leadership is I want to see it throughout my life. I am continuing to lead my team this year throughout our season, but not in a manger style, yes we have to get things done, but I have to stay true to being a leader. I hope to help lead my group during our SEPPP this semester, as it's been quite chaotic with everyone trying to do everything. Finding the balance between one another and each of our goals is extremely important in the next few weeks, otherwise it's going to be a disaster. Leading doesn't mean knowing everything it means sharing others thoughts and trying to bring a group together to make the best possible idea.