How Leadership and Management Differ and Why That Matters to Organizations
Leadership and Management
Leadership and management. What, if anything, do they have in common and how can differences be explained?
Sometimes the terms “leadership” and “management” are used interchangeably. While they have several similar characteristics, leadership and management as a function produce vastly different results.
What Defines Leadership?
Leadership, according to Merriam-Webster, can be defined with the following three meanings.
The definition of leadership includes:
- the office or position of a leader
- capacity to lead
- the act or an instance of leading
In theory, the role of leadership surfaces when a person is placed into a leadership position and then has, not only the capacity to lead, but often acts accordingly.
In practice, a leader is someone who has the vision to see how things can be improved. A leader compels others to embrace that vision and then inspires others to focus their efforts in making this vision a reality. In addition to motivating others, leaders excell when they are empathetic and connect with people.
In simplistic terms, leaders focus on vision and inspiring those they lead.
What Defines Management?
Management is defined as
- the act or art of managing : the conducting or supervising of something (such as a business)
- the process of dealing with or controlling things or people.
- the collective body of those who manage or direct an enterprise
Theoretically, management is the coordination and administration of tasks to achieve a goal and objectives through the application of available resources.
In practice, a manager is someone who gives direction and guidance. Managers are accountable for the employees and the facilities they work for on a day to day basis. Managers plan and promote the schedule and tasks of employees and coordinate with and report to senior management in the company.
In simplistic terms, managers focus on managing people and managing work.
3 Key Differences Between Leadership and Management
Both leaders and managers are accountable and responsible for people, teams or brands.
There are several notable differences between leadership and management.
- Managers count the value of what or whom they manage, while leaders add value to those they lead.
- Managers are topic experts and hold a certain amount of power over those they manage, while leaders are influencers and inspire those they lead.
- Managers manage work, while leaders lead people.
Management skills, by default, come first before leadership skills, and can be learned in business school.
Most often a leader’s development happens as they are put into leadership positions and at the same time are willing to learn, adapt, listen, communicate, work hard, plan, organize and work on developing their leadership skills.
In other words, great leaders never stop learning and are always evolving.
The Difference Between Leadership and Management and Why it Should Matter to Your Organization
Organizations need to be led by visionaries if they are to blossom and grow. A well-managed organization includes quality leaders with a vision that others will work towards.
Your organization needs leadership not only to survive, but to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The good news is that leadership is something that current managers in your organization can learn! Few are born to lead; leaders come from any background, choosing to pursue a leadership role. Whatever path a person takes, the key to a successful leader is having a purpose as well as a desire to serve.
“While only a handful of people are born with natural leadership ability, leadership is something that can be learned.” ~ Villanova University
A Shift in Mindset
Organizational success is directly correlated to great leadership.
Managers are in charge of, and handle, the status quo. They have objectives to set,
quotas to fill and goals to reach. Leaders on the other hand, take charge of the future by having a vision and getting a buy-in to that vision from everyone in the company.
This shift in thinking and organizational structure, going from management to leadership will transform any business – and the exciting thing is that it starts with people!
At TeamCatapult we have seen this exciting shift in mindset through our workshop attendees and the clients we work with. We’ve witnessed emerging leaders step up to lead and transform their teams, with positive outcomes.
Leadership is a craft that requires investment and growth. Then where and how can leaders gain the skills needed to lead and succeed?
Gaining Leadership Skills – Where to Start
We at TeamCatapult believe that leadership development should not be reserved for only the cream of the crop within your organization.
Our approach is different. We are passionate about helping leaders be more effective, collaborative, and adaptive as they grow their teams, lead change and achieve their desired results.
We want to help co-create the future. We’ll help leaders build a shared vision, develop the language and use the communication that may challenge current beliefs and assumptions, but will help to break through the limits that are impeding progress.
“When you stop discussing the tasks at hand — and talk about vision, purpose, and aspirations instead, that’s when you will know you have become a leader.” ~ HBR
Are you ready to get to work? Does your organization need a leader?
