There is an important distinction between those who are in a management position and those who fulfill a leadership role. Make no mistake—just because your tag says “manager” does not make you a leader. What’s the difference? Leaders let go of the lever.
When a people first enter a leadership position, their first instinct is usually to try to get everyone to do the job exactly as they used to do. After all, the reason why they are in a leadership position is because their methods were so successful. They think that if they can get others to do things exactly the same way they used to, everything should be perfect.
This is known as holding the lever. It’s also known as micromanaging. Most employees despise it and it turns potentially good leaders into the dreaded boss or manager that no one wants to work for.
Managers are people who budget, coordinate, control, and direct. Leaders inspire, persuade, motivate, coach, teach, and relate. Understand the difference between making people do something and getting them to want to do it. It is the fundamental concept behind letting go of the lever.
More to come later…
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About kenbetterton
For over 30 years Ken has demonstrated his commitment to "giving back" as a proud U.S. Marine, State Trooper (Commander) in Utah and now as the CEO and owner of a training and development company that specializes in working with people in positions of authority.
His experience as a marine has taught him commitment, honor, integrity, and the professional demeanor he carries today. He served for 25 years with the Utah Department of Public Safety/ Highway Patrol. These experiences have given him the resources and perspective to build a strong belief system that states, "Give all you've got in everything you do."
Ken holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice / Psychology and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Brigham Young University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy session #186 and Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command.
Ken has two decades of experience as a professional speaker, trainer/facilitator, and coach. Ken has written articles for Law & Order magazine, a publication that reaches over 36,000 executive level police administrators. He has also received honors such as: The National Leadership Award, Distinguished Service Medals, and an Outstanding Police Services Award.
Ken Betterton is a man who generates positive change while showing organizational leaders how to reconnect with their core values and personal convictions to create a workforce that is dynamic, regenerative, and self-sustaining. He believes that when people, or groups of people, learn how to draw on their inner strength, they trigger a forceful momentum enabling them to close the gap between their present condition and future possibilities. Through his speaking, facilitation, and coaching methods, individuals within any organization can operate from a position of strength that will lead to a higher trust level between coworkers and a renewal of honest personal interaction.
