Leadership seems to be the topic of the month.

It’s been coming up in classes, books, presentations and conversations. I can’t escape it. It’s following me.

Last week I was able to attend a UVU Networking night, hosted by the Alumni Association of my alma mater. Bruce Jackson, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Leadership presented.

He pointed out that our country is in the middle of yet another crisis, aside from health care, the economy and global warming. This crisis is that of trust in their leaders. We don’t trust politicians, Wall Street and we certainly don’t trust the news. It’s a truly scary world when you really can’t trust anyone to just tell it to you straight.  It seems like the only time people are honest is when they’re caught in the act of being dishonest.

But then, if these people aren’t behaving with integrity, they’re really not leaders, are they?

Our society has a skewed perception of leadership. People aspire to titles of leadership with the false idea that the title makes the man. They strive to become managers and directors and presidents.  The title, however, is empty without the character to back it up.

Managers Leaders

Managers < Leaders

The true leaders, I’ve found, are those without the title. They influence change with strong moral character, hard work and determination. They have integrity. They generously give others credit where credit is due, and inspire others to reach their best potential.

Managers, on the other hand, don’t always have these qualities. All too often they have their position because of seniority, not their capacity to lead. They often rule by fear, using negative extrinsic and intrinsic motivators. They are close minded. They obsess over procedures and rules, and care about the team’s success only because it reflects on their personal image.

• Are you a leader or a manager?  Here are 10 questions from Dr. Jackson to help you find out.
• Do you have the desire to influence/lead?
• Do you see leadership as a choice or a position?
• Do you have a compelling mission/vision that others are willing to follow?
• Can you translate your mission/vision into a clear and workable plan?
• Do you know how to tap into the core motives, values and life purposes of those whom you work with and lead?
• Does your leadership style (autocratic/democratic/facilitative) match your environment?
• Consider your interpersonal skills… where are you excelling? Lacking?
• Do you emulate the leadership you expect in others? What is your personal and/or leadership ethos?
• Do you seek constant feedback as a leader? Are you a life-long learner?
• Would you follow you? What would you need to do differently?

Remember, anyone can be a leader. Anyone can be an influence for change. What are you willing to do outside of your job description to help others? What value and ideas are you supporting both through your actions and your interactions with others?