28th April 2023
Business Capability Workshop, sponsored by Pathfinder Solutions
Camelia Petrus, founder of Core Purpose
This interactive lunchtime workshop contained a wealth of facts and ideas, and was divided into six key modules:
- Defining management
- Defining leadership
- Leadership vs management
- Finding the balance
- Barriers to learning
- Auditing leadership’s key competencies
From the outset, Camelia was clear that this was “just the tip of the iceberg” of such a broad topic and that each module could easily have its own day-long workshop – or longer!
Management and leadership are two different mindsets. It was suggested and agreed that one (management) considers the what and the how, while the other (leadership) considers the why. The former focuses on the results, the latter on the purpose and vision.
Camelia used the analogy of a sea captain to explain the main differences between management competencies and leadership qualities. Through several practical exercises, she helped attendees realise how they already possess and apply both sets of skills in their home life and the workplace.
Delegates were invited to think of the most important management skills for a person, a household, and a business. It was enlightening to see how many of these overlapped — for instance, communication skills, planning and prioritisation, and identifying problems before they happen.
There was a similar exercise for leadership skills, when delegates were asked to reflect on someone who had inspired them personally or professionally. The qualities which were repeatedly mentioned included generosity of time, being humble, fostering a positive environment, and being present.
There was some discussion about the importance of emotional intelligence and how these six core competencies are essential for any true leader. There was also an acknowledgement that becoming a leader may require a serious change in heart and mindset – and potentially moving to a new environment.
If Camelia’s assertion that “every good manager strives to be a good leader” is correct, then clearly, getting the balance between managing resources and helping employees to thrive is essential. She observed that over-managed organisations could have all the systems and processes but lack passion. In contrast, over-led organisations may be full of heart but chaotic, as passions run high without boundaries. The key to achieving balance includes a determination to learn self-awareness and self-management, and being able to positively influence others.
Camelia offered some practical tips to help a leader empower other leaders within the organisation and suggested various training options that delegates might like to investigate to help them with their own leadership development.
The take-home message was a quote from the former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
Workshop attendees left with loads to think about, especially a heightened awareness of the difference between a manager and a leader – but acknowledging the importance of both skillsets.
