Managers push. Leaders inspire. Which one are you?

March 10, 2025

It’s Tactical Tuesday!

Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...

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The Thought

Did you know... a Gallup study found that 70% of employee motivation is directly influenced by their manager?

The difference? Managers push. Leaders inspire.

Managers rely on pressure, deadlines, and consequences.
Leaders fuel performance with belief, empowerment, and purpose.

As Kathy Austin said: “Managers light a fire under their people. Leaders light a fire within them.”

Fear may drive short-term results, but the strongest teams run on trust, motivation, and shared purpose.

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The Tip

Remember to… Ask your team this simple but powerful question: "What fuels your fire?"

What excites you about your work? – Align responsibilities with passion.
What challenges help you grow? – Stretch beyond comfort zones.
What support do you need? – Provide the tools and encouragement to succeed.

When leaders tap into what truly drives their people, they ignite action instead of forcing it.

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The Tool

Short Video: Manager vs. Leader: Managers light a fire under their people. Leaders light a first within their people.

This week’s video breaks down the key difference between managers and leaders:

Managers apply pressure. Leaders unlock potential.
Managers enforce compliance. Leaders build commitment.
Managers push. Leaders pull.

Want to lead with trust, purpose, and inspiration?
Watch the full video below

Watch now on TikTok

Watch now on LinkedIn

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Leadership Question of the week…

Here is the top question this week from our COMPLETE LEADER Package download. Don’t have this download? Get instant access here.

❓What does owning your work look like to you?
❓How do you take responsibility for outcomes, both good and bad?
❓How can we encourage each other to take more ownership?

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Activity of the week…

Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.

Watch the activity description of the “GRATITUDE JAR”

Want to share this Tactical Tuesday newsletter via text, social, or email? Simply copy and paste this link: https://completeleadershipacademy.com/blogs/tactical-tuesday/managers-focus-on-deadlines-leaders-focus-on-people

Thank you again for being a great leader out there!

-Dwight & Jess

P.S. We recently launched our COMPLETE LEADER Package. It includes 200+ leadership questions, 52 printable team meeting activity cards, 10 meeting agendas, exclusive videos, plus our popular COMPLETE LEADER Playbook. View more here and get instant access. (Use code LEADER10 for 10% off)

🚨 Pre-order now available for these 52 Activity Cards w Box. 250 available - ships in the next week. Grab them today.

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