Leadership in Action: We Lead People and Manage Work, Not the Other Way Around

In my journey as an Officer in the 美国军队 and executive leader in K-12 education and technology, one fundamental principle has stood out to me.?

Effective leaders lead people and manage work. They do not manage people, and they do not lead work.?

It may seem to be a subtle difference, but I can assure you that it is a substantial one.?

Managing Work

Managing work involves a range of transactional and operational tasks that are essential for the smooth execution of projects and day-to-day activities.

It includes the delegation of tasks to team members, setting and enforcing deadlines, and closely monitoring the progress of work to ensure timely completion.

Process optimization is key, often involving the streamlining of workflows for greater efficiency.

Additionally, managing work entails analyzing data and reporting on performance metrics, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and company policies, and resolving conflicts that may arise.

This practical and logistical side of management is crucial for ensuring that tasks and projects are executed effectively and efficiently.

Leading People and The PDMRSA Framework

On the other hand, leading people requires what I call the PDMRSA Framework. These are purpose, direction, motivation, resources, support, and accountability.

Purpose

Purpose is the bedrock of effective leadership, providing the fundamental 'why' behind every objective and action.

It's about articulating a clear and compelling vision that goes beyond the mere execution of tasks to imbue every effort with meaning.

When team members understand the purpose behind their work, they are more likely to be engaged, committed, and motivated.

Clearly defining the purpose is not just about stating organizational goals; it's about connecting these goals to the values and aspirations of the individuals within the team.

It involves demonstrating how each person's role and contributions align with the larger vision and fostering a sense of belonging and significance.

This alignment helps individuals see the impact of their work, enhancing their commitment and satisfaction.

Leaders play a crucial role in communicating and embodying this purpose.

They need to ensure that the 'why' is not lost in the day-to-day operations but is continuously reinforced through actions, decisions, and communication.

This might involve regularly discussing the broader goals in team meetings, celebrating achievements that align with the purpose, and making strategic decisions that reflect the core mission.

Purpose-driven leadership also entails showing empathy and understanding toward the personal drivers of each team member.

By acknowledging and aligning individual motivations with the team's goals, leaders can create a more cohesive and motivated workforce.

When team members are clear about the 'why' behind their work and how they contribute to the bigger picture, it elevates their work from a mere job to a meaningful part of a shared journey toward achieving something greater.

Direction

Direction in leadership is akin to setting a 'north star' – a clear and defined destination that guides every aspect of a team's journey.

It's crucial not only for creating a strategic roadmap but also for securing the buy-in and commitment of team members.

A well-articulated direction ensures that everyone understands where they are headed and the path they must take to get there.

This clarity of direction is essential for aligning the team's efforts with the organization's core purpose.

And it helps in translating the overarching vision into actionable goals and objectives.

When the direction is aligned with the purpose, it imbues daily tasks with significance, making it easier for team members to see how their work contributes to the larger goals.

A clear direction facilitates better decision-making at all levels.

It serves as the constant that can be used when evaluating options and ensures that choices made are consistent with the end goals.

This alignment is crucial for maintaining focus, particularly in complex or rapidly changing environments where distractions and diversions are common.

Leaders play a pivotal role in defining and communicating the direction.

They must be adept at not only charting the course but also inspiring their team to follow it.

This involves regularly reinforcing the goals, celebrating milestones that indicate progress, and being open to feedback and adjustments as needed.

Motivation

Motivation is a critical component of leadership and a fundamental aspect of team dynamics.

Effective leaders understand that fostering an environment where intrinsic motivation flourishes is key to sustainable success.

This kind of motivation stems from within the individual team members and is driven by personal satisfaction, interest in the work, and the desire to achieve.

Positive motivation, such as acknowledging individual and collective achievements, not only reinforces a sense of accomplishment but also encourages the team to strive for higher goals.

This type of motivation nurtures an environment of enthusiasm and commitment, where team members are inspired to contribute their best.

Conversely, negative motivation, often characterized by fear of failure or punitive measures, may yield short-term results but can be detrimental in the long run.

It can lead to a stressful work environment, stifle creativity, and even erode trust within the team.

This type of atmosphere might push team members to meet objectives, but it often does so at the expense of job satisfaction and personal well-being.

Motivation should focus on creating a supportive and positive workplace where team members feel valued and empowered.

This includes providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, offering constructive feedback, and fostering a culture where taking calculated risks is encouraged and failures are viewed as learning opportunities.

By prioritizing positive motivation, leaders can cultivate a team that is not only productive but also resilient and engaged, capable of overcoming challenges and driving innovation.

This approach to motivation is not just beneficial for the team's output, but it also contributes to a more fulfilling and vibrant work culture.

Resources

Resources are a cornerstone of any successful endeavor, and their availability can often make or break the execution of even the most meticulously crafted plans.

Ensuring that team members have access to the necessary tools, technologies, and training is not just a logistical concern but a foundational aspect of leadership.

A well-resourced team is empowered to perform at its best, while a lack of adequate resources can lead to frustration, inefficiency, and ultimately, failure in achieving objectives.

As leaders, it is essential to not only identify and understand the specific resource needs of the team but also to actively advocate for these requirements.

This might involve negotiating budgets, seeking out new technologies, or investing in specialized training programs.

By championing the cause of resources, leaders demonstrate their commitment to the team's success and their understanding of what the team needs to thrive.

Effective resource management also goes beyond mere acquisition.

It includes the thoughtful allocation of resources, ensuring that they are used efficiently and are accessible to those who need them most.

This also involves staying attuned to the evolving needs of the team and the project, ready to adjust and reallocate as necessary.

Support

Support is the linchpin of success, playing a crucial role through mentorship or tackling challenges.

It involves not only clear communication channels and the provision of necessary resources but also empowering individuals with autonomy and recognizing their efforts.

A supportive environment also fosters a culture of continuous learning and development while caring for the emotional and mental well-being of its members.

It encourages building networks for broader community support, adapts to changing needs, offers constructive feedback, and nurtures a setting where risk-taking and innovation are welcomed.

This holistic approach to support is essential for fostering a thriving and productive workplace.

Accountability

Accountability is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership, vital in establishing a culture of trust and success. It goes beyond merely assigning tasks; it's about creating an environment where every team member, from the leaders to the newest recruits, understands and embraces their responsibilities.

This culture of accountability ensures that everyone is answerable for their actions and decisions, contributing positively to the team's objectives. Particularly in complex projects, where the interdependencies of tasks are significant, the clarity that comes with accountability helps in navigating challenges and achieving goals efficiently.

When leaders model accountability, it sets a powerful example, promoting transparency, honesty, and integrity across the organization.

This, in turn, fosters a sense of ownership and commitment among all members, driving success through collective effort and mutual trust.

When all of these elements align, teams are able to operate in a steady effective state. This allows work to be managed via Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Project management tools, gantt charts, etc.?

However, too often, leaders attempt to manage their teams rather than lead them. This can look like an over-reliance on evaluation tools, micromanaging, over-controlling time off, and focusing excessively on procedures and protocols at the expense of creativity and innovation. This can hinder their team's ability to adapt, grow, and embrace new challenges.?

When shifting to this framework and philosophy it can be a bit nerve racking. It’s a concept that can make leaders feel that they are giving up control or focusing on the wrong things.?

Closing Thoughts

There is a reason why ‘ship’ is part of leadership.?

Leadership is a relationship.?

It’s a promise and a bond between the leader and those they lead.?

The top job of the leader is to foster this relationship and ensure the conditions in which their teams can work effectively and efficiently.?

When the team is operating in these optimal conditions, they can take on the work and challenges that come their way, they can follow through, and they can get stuff done without dropping the ball.?

Essentially, when you lead your people, they can manage the work.?