PITI framework for leadership

Leadership and management, while both important are often confused. I went to a talk yesterday and the keynoter presented this very intuitive and contrasting framework for understanding, executing and spreading leadership and knowing when you are leading vs just managing.

Passion

Passion is to leadership what discipline is to management.

Leadership is first and foremost about passion. That infectious and contagious drive to do something. When 80 hour work weeks feel like nothing and people around you are energized by your words, actions and relentless commitment. Passion moves minds and propels the world to subscribe to your point of view and your way of doing things.

Inspiration

Inspiration is to leadership what planning is to management.

Great leaders inspire. They tell great stories. Their stories touch our reptilian brain and show us the vision of the horizon. They tell us why achieving that horizon is meaningful. And that puts all our daily struggles in the context of that North Star. Inspiration creates emotional alignment and gets everyone moving towards a common goal.

Trust

Trust is to leadership what respect is to management.

Trust takes work and builds over time. It builds over countless actions and consistent behavior. Great leaders take the time and effort to build trust by treating people where they are. Trust creates enrollment.

Influence

Influence is to leadership what control is to management

Great leaders are rarely telling people what to do. They are usually selling people what to do. They highlight common goals and common values to refocus conversations. They propose their methods and the why behind those to let people come to their own conclusions.

And finally leadership is about giving. Giving time, listening, coaching. Taking what you have and spreading that generously.