Leadership and management are often used interchangeably, but they’re two different roles that have distinct purposes. Leadership involves people; management involves things.
Managers are tied to specific positions within the organization’s hierarchy; leaders don’t have to be a certain position to show leadership. A professional may be both a manager and a leader at the same time.
Definition
Leadership is the ability to inspire and motivate others to accomplish a goal. Managers take care of the nitty-gritty details, such as budgeting and staffing. They are also responsible for creating an environment that encourages employees to think strategically and align their personal values with the organization’s.
Leadership involves setting a new direction or vision for a group, while management is the actual control and coordination of people/resources to reach the desired outcome. Leaders use a variety of techniques, including perks and rewards for good performance, and reprimands and punishments for poor performance.
While many of the skills needed for both are the same, they are different in nature. Some people may be natural leaders, while others will find themselves in a managerial role as they advance in their career. However, it’s important to note that effective managers often have a high level of leadership skill. They are able to guide the development of their team members and provide technical guidance.
Purpose
The biggest difference between leadership and management is that leadership always involves a group of people, while management may not necessarily involve any people in the role at all. It’s important to recognize this distinction because it keeps supervisors from trying to “manage” or even control – which would be inappropriate under any circumstances.
It also helps managers be clear with their teams about what is expected of them. For example, if a manager must make a difficult decision for the good of the company, it’s important to be able to explain the logic behind that call.
Managers also need to be okay with open communication and the fact that their team members are going to disagree. This can help them be more effective in their jobs. It also lets leaders know that their work isn’t dependent on a person’s title or a particular job position. It’s based on the ability to inspire others and create value.
Skills
While it’s true that leadership and management often overlap, it’s also important to recognize that each requires a different skill set and serves a distinct purpose within an organization. Managers manage the day-to-day processes of an organization while leaders inspire people and guide the company in a new direction.
Leadership focuses on vision and building momentum for change, while management involves managing the process of dealing with and controlling people. Leaders must be flexible enough to adapt their approach to suit the current circumstances.
Unfortunately, many professionals misunderstand the difference between leadership and management. They may think that management is a “leadership lite” role or that leadership should be reserved for senior executives. This view is flawed and hinders organizational success. Managers must be able to lead their teams and employees in times of crisis and change, while leadership is about inspiring others to follow a vision that will make them better. The best managers understand the importance of both leadership and management, and they use their skills to create a successful environment for their employees.
Characteristics
Leaders are able to see the big picture and develop strategies, whereas managers break down those objectives into specific tasks. Managers count and measure, while leaders inspire and encourage the team. They also understand their employees’ passions and values and are able to build effective teams.
Leadership and management are overlapping skills, and many people wear multiple hats within an organization. However, it is not necessary that someone be both a leader and a manager.
Some examples of leadership include setting a path for others to follow, driving change, and providing support. Managers are able to communicate the needs of their team, set standards and policies, and review the progress of ongoing projects. They are also able to motivate and support their team members. They often use the carrot and stick approach, rewarding good work with perks and punishing bad behavior with punishments. Leaders are a little less formal and may be more emotional. This allows them to create a team of individuals that will push through adversity to achieve goals.