On today’sepisode of Lessons in Leadership, Author and Leadership Expert Dave Anderson highlights a recurring trap for business owners and executives, which is overmanaging operations at the expense of leadership
By addressing the 13th commandment of his 15 Commandments for Organizational Peak Performance, Anderson urges leaders to step away from administrative tasks and re-engage with their teams.
“Paperwork” vs. “People Work”
To clarify the distinction, Anderson framed management as the internal mechanics or “paperwork” of a business. This includes system controls, budgeting, inventory, scheduling, and processes, the essential framework required to keep an organization structured and stable.
"Management and leadership, they're not the same thing...They're two different skill sets. They're both essential, but one does not substitute for the other."
Leadership, on the other hand, represents the “people work.” It drives business momentum through strategy, direction, team development, feedback, mentoring, and direct coaching.
When organizations place too much emphasis on management, executives end up prioritizing objects, spreadsheets, and processes over their staff. This disconnect frequently leads to organizational stagnation.
Signs your business is over-managed
Finding the right division between managing and leading varies based on an executive’s scope and the strength of their workforce. However, Anderson warns that a shift toward over-management usually manifests in clear operational red flags:
- Falling performance and results
- Dropping team morale
- Stalled growth and momentum
- Weakened interpersonal relationships
While slipping into an over-management routine is common, staying there damages long-term organizational health. Anderson’s message to business leaders remains simple: stop over-managing and start leading.
ASBN, from startup to success, we are your go-to resource for small business news, expert advice, information, and event coverage.