Have you ever watched geese fly? It's a sight worthy to behold. The next time you see geese in flight, pay attention to them. Notice when they fly in formation, the leader does not remain the same. During the flight several of the flock will take turns moving to the front of the vee. As one leader tires, it falls back and takes its place with the followers, and a new leader comes forth to guide the flock and steer the course.

Geese obviously embrace some of the dynamics of leadership that we all would do well to note. They graphically illustrate what I have always felt to be one of the most significant attributes of a leader. That is, a leader must also know how to follow. A leader's ability to lead is directly related to how well they are able to embrace the dynamics associated with being a follower. From that perspective, a leader recognizes and is sensitive to the needs of the group.

Every organization and group large and small needs a leader. A business leader's role is no less centered around their relationship with the group than that of a leader of geese in flight. A leader understands that different situations call for different styles of leadership. Yet one style is not necessarily better than another. The fact that there are many styles and ways of leadership is a blessing in disguise - considering the different challenges and special goals that need to be met. The capacity to recognize, understand and use a style appropriate for the situation lies in the mastery of the art of inspiring people to perform at peak levels.

Some of you are already practicing the ways of leadership. For those of you who are strangers to the role, look for ways to experience and develop your leadership skills. Maybe you want to enhance your own personal development in an area of leadership where you don't feel particularly strong? How about the area of different leadership styles, do you understand and use appropriate styles for appropriate situations? How about the area of goals, do you articulate them clearly enough so that the whole group can see the vision? What are your communication skills, do you understand the art of listening and giving feedback?

It has been said that "Managers understand pie charts, bar graphs, and punctuation. Leaders do too, but leaders know more. Leaders know caring, passion and poetry. Leaders know people."

Leadership focuses on people. Management in contrast focuses on the allocation of resources associated with a task. If you want loyalty, honesty, interest and the best efforts from your people, be a leader. It seems to me that managing by leading is a very good thing. Take me to a Leader!

Other Articles by Barbara Davis:
Here's To Mastery!
Follow that Leader...
When Did I Say That?