In 2013, the Gallup organization published a study called “State of the American Workplace: Employee Engagement Insights for U.S. Business Leaders.” Only 30% of the U.S. workforce was engaged in their work, which meant 70% were not. More than twice as many people were “checked out” as those “checked in”. In the global scene, the numbers were even more dismal. 87% of the global workforce was not engaged in their work. In the USA alone, Gallup estimated that it was costing the economy between $450 and $550 billion per year!

So what's the difference between leadership and management? John Maxwell once said: "Everything rises and falls on leadership." So are managers given a pass? Of course not. Great managers are also leaders and great leaders can also manage. Peter Drucker defined leadership as doing the right things and management as doing things right. Both are necessary. Both are critical.

Leaders are concerned with the big picture–the vision–and empowering their people to embrace and fulfill it. They deal in the "why". Managers are concerned with execution, the nuts and bolts "how" of daily operation. They prevent frustration by ensuring effective and efficient systems. When both the why and the how are adequately addressed, people are much more engaged and motivated in their work.

Ultimately people are your greatest asset. So get concerned about your people and not just about managing a process. And don't just cast vision when it's time for implementation; clear away the chaos and clutter. Lead and manage for success!