Clarifying the Difference Between Management & Leadership

In business, a lot of people seem to think leadership and management are one in the same. The truth is management and leadership positions are extremely unique. And, understanding these differences ultimately helps an organization define its roles and values. 

While leadership and management can come in all shapes, sizes, flavors and styles, the difference between the two roles, in my experience, breaks down like this:

•  A leader sets the tone for the rest of the organization to follow.
•  A manager oversees the logistics and ensures processes are consistent with that tone.

My Favorite Leadership Anecdote…

One of my favorite examples of leadership is this scenario. Imagine this: a woman notices a trash bin knocked over while walking at dusk in a state park. No one is around. She knows trash on the ground is no good – not only is it an eyesore, but if bears get into it, they could get sick. Or, even worse, after they’re done with the trash, they might get too friendly with other park goers, people could get hurt and the bear would possibly be put down. So she picks up the trash – not because anyone tells her to, but because she knows it’s the right thing to do.

Does this make her a leader?

In my estimation, yes, and here’s why:

Leaders Believe in Something Greater than Themselves

In this example, the woman acted in accordance to her definition of a greater good, which is no different than the top leaders in history. Take for example one of the greatest leaders of all time: Martin Luther King, Jr. He had a dream of equality regardless of skin color. He faced nothing but backlash and setbacks but never gave up. He kept on with his dream, and people followed his dream.

One of the most valuable lessons of leadership is that people follow beliefs, not a person. In my state park example, imagine someone witnessing our good Samaritan’s actions. I guarantee that viewer is now much more likely to mirror her good behavior. A strong leader lives the truth others can’t help but recognize, share and follow.

Leaders Act as the Eyes in the Skies

One classic mistake of leadership is when a leader acts like a manager. Management is the last place a leader should focus their efforts. Honestly, most of the time leaders make terrible managers. Why? Because they’re focused on big-picture initiatives, not the nuts and bolts – that stuff is for management.

Leaders Are Consistent

It’s a leader’s responsibility to create an environment that is consistent, clear and open. Whether they’re in the office or working from home, every employee should “feel” that environment because leadership has created a space where everyone is treated the same way, follows the same rules and is expected to uphold the same values.

Without a consistent vision to follow, employees will create their own. Even if the mission of your company is to make money and grow, that is something every employee should understand and be given the opportunity to pursue.

Ultimately, People Have the Power

Whether we’re leaders, managers, tenured employees or entry-level staffers, our ability to survive in an environment depends on our ability to grow there. Leaders may establish an organization’s vision, but whether that vision brings people to shore or pushes them out to sea is ultimately not the leader’s concern. If the vision is clear and managers have done a good job implementing and enforcing that vision, it’s an employee’s responsibility to find ways to uphold the vision.

If this piece has been of any interest to you, please check out our blog at Select Communications— we’ve got plenty more insight into leadership, management, collaboration and more! And, always, feel free to drop me an email with your questions or ideas. I’d love to connect with you!