Management is a fascinating role that requires dedication, talent and training. As a manager, you have more impact than some realize. We therefore ask all managers to invest in self-knowledge, diligence and development. Which may very well be carried out by leadership training programs from the VU.
Invest in your own art of management. This is how you contribute to a healthy and safe working environment that inspires, develops and engages.
Leadership and management, the difference
Leadership and management are often used as synonyms. We, however, emphasise the distinction.
- Management is your hierarchical responsibility for directing your colleagues.
- Leadership reflects your individual responsibility to contribute proactively to working smoothly alongside your colleagues, in order to realise the ambitions of VU Amsterdam.
In other words, management depends on your position while leadership is something we expect of all fellow employees at VU Amsterdam, being appointed as manager or not. On the other hand, managers are essential role models in leadership: any good leadership qualities you display will help your employees to demonstrate leadership as well.
Management is first and foremost people business
For managers, it all starts with VU Amsterdam’s most important resource: people. You are a professional who operates alongside your colleagues, but who also keeps a close eye on results and the bigger picture. You are not afraid to lay down clear frameworks and to guarantee diversity in your team. But at the end of the day, your most important task is to recognise, to utilise and to develop the talent of others.
Management also of course involves creating and monitoring financial frameworks and processes. Based on your responsibility for the four task areas People Management, Financial Management, Process Management and Strategic Management, you are the embodiment of integrated management skills. This does not mean that you always have to do everything yourself; but you do bear overall responsibility. For more information about these task areas, check out the Management Framework or the responsibilities of Management.
Leadership is Art of Engagement
VU Amsterdam's understanding of leadership is expressed in the Art of Engagement. The Art of Engagement consists of four principles:
- Contribute to the academic community
- Have courage to make decisions
- Be transparent and clear
- Listen and provide space for growth
By putting these four principles into practice, you contribute to an engaged and transparent organisation. We ask every employee to practice and help shape this part of personal leadership. Research shows that employee involvement determines the success of an organisation. So by investing in good cooperation, decision-making, communication and taking responsibility, we can really improve things.
Applying the Art of Engagement does not always go smoothly. Think of it as an exercise in professional behaviour. This includes learning from our mistakes and reflecting regularly and visibly on our actions. Therefore, organise your own feedback regularly, know your own strengths and areas of improvement, and invest in your development. As a manager you are an example and a source of inspiration for your colleagues, so apply the Art of Engagement and mention it!