Managers are important.

They direct activity, get the team moving, and coordinate activities to achieve results. Someone has to get people working, direct their efforts and ensure they and the mission stay on track. But that’s not leadership.

Leaders take obstacles away, provide guidance and direction from their vision, and set the emotional thermostat. Leaders help people be the best they can be. A true leader will see more in the individuals on a team than they may see in themselves.

Good managers manage; great managers lead.

Always lead first, manage second. Even if you don’t have anyone reporting to you, daily provide an example through the leadership of yourself. Leadership at every level must be earned. It can’t be conferred by a title or position.

A company’s CEO might be its top manager, but a lower-level department head might be the one everybody turns to for leadership that inspires and elevates. There is a difference.

People take their cues from leaders. This is what leadership expert John Maxwell sites as the “Law of the Lid”. The efforts, standards, and results of the team will almost never exceed those of its leader.

So it’s on you to set your standards high- results, efficiency, punctuality, your personal dress code and adopting an attitude of service and performance in everything you do.

How to Attract Great Surfers

If you’re not a formal leader now, act like one and be a leader of self.

The best and most satisfying victories come through serving other people. Set the example. Other surfers who share your passion and commitment will be drawn to you.

This post is an excerpt from the book Carpe Aqualis! written by Kahuna Business Group’s Founder/ CEO Frank F. Lunn.

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