Dr. Ms. Management:

Some time ago, I told my manager that I was interested in the things that motivate people. His response: "You sound like you are interested in politics." I disagreed, saying that there was a big difference between the two, although I didn't have much time to argue the point. His comment left me feeling vaguely ill-at-ease, but I wasn't sure why.

Reflecting back on this mini-discussion, I see a big difference between 'politics' and 'leadership'. But I'm not sure that I can articulate it very well. Do you have any thoughts on the differences between the two? Do you agree with my position that 'leadership' can and should be much more positive and much less destructive than mere 'politics'?

-- Leaderless in Seattle

Dear Leaderless:

It seems that your manager has a pretty narrow world view. Understanding motivation, both in a general way and specific to individuals, is essential to many fields (everyone from physicians to teachers to business people have to know what people want in order to be effective!), and I would certainly not jump to the conclusion that it's the purview of politicians.

I see politics as an endeavor to obtain personal gain - power, money, ego-stroking. Those engaging in the pursuit tend to use manipulation rather than motivation, and are so often dealing with others that work in similar ways that their knowledge of and interest in motivation tends to be based on their own views. Politics is finding a way to get what's best for yourself, whether at the expense of others or not. It often involves dealing, favors, and compromise that might be uncomfortable to those for whom personal gain is not the top priority. In general, politics has a pretty negative connotation.

Leadership, on the other hand, has more of a societal gain in mind. It's helping people get what they want or they need. Leadership fosters collaboration. Study of motivation, both at an individual and a group level, is essential to help understand what exactly what people need and the best way to help them achieve it. On a large scale, true leadership helps individuals achieve their needs and wants within the balance of the greater good.

Clearly, some politicians are also great leaders - and some very good politicians are miserable leaders but excellent manipulators.

Which is your manager, I wonder?

--Ms. Management