Post 7: Leaders v Managers

Post 7: Leaders v Managers

My daughter Megan recently asked me,

“So what is the difference between leadership and management? Isn’t it just the same thing?"

These are definitely two different things: a Manager ensures things are done the right way (the process), and a Leader ensures the right things are being done (the outcome).

There are so many definitions of leadership and management—more than you can poke a stick at. And that isn't very helpful.

There are more definitions of leadership than you can poke a stick at.

How about we get right to the point this way?

Anyone can learn to be a leader and put it to use today. Leadership, at its essence, is a mindset, a choice to behave in a way that helps a team achieve a shared goal. You can be a leader without being a manager. Motivating your team to want to achieve that goal is something anyone can do. You don’t need to be in a position of authority to do that.

Leadership, at its essence, is a mindset, a choice to behave in a way that empowers a team to achieve a shared goal.

But you do need to know the shared goal, and you do need to choose to do what needs to be done to help the team succeed.?You can’t just strut around being an opinionated bossy-boots; that is not leadership.

A manager is essentially someone given the responsibility to ensure things are getting done as defined. Hopefully, people in management positions are leaders as well. But that is not always the reality. Sometimes managers get stuck, not being able to see the forest for the trees. They get consumed in their world of processes and self-importance and fail to act in a way best aligned to the fundamental objectives of the business.

We need more leaders—great leaders.? Managers need to have good leadership traits, but everyone benefits if more people show more leadership all-round. If you have aspirations to climb that corporate ladder, demonstrating effective leadership without the power of authority is a great way to be seen and recognised as quality management material.

Charlie wants to climb the corporate ladder but is not sure how to start.
Charlie is keen to climb that corporate ladder but is not sure how. Practicing leadership is a great start.

How do you think you can show more leadership today? How can you better empower your team to achieve a shared goal?

Arianna Hansen

Student at Hobart and William Smith Colleges

6 个月

This semester, I am taking a leadership course in which we are analyzing the difference between management and leadership. Leadership consists of vision, inspiration, and the ability to influence and motivate others, whereas management tends to focus on organizing, planning, and executing tasks. The challenge, then, is distinguishing between the role and social expectations of a manager and a leader, recognizing that a good manager also leads.? For our generation, an essential action could be to advocate for and participate in programs that blend leadership and management training. This would ensure that future managers are equipped with technical skills, vision, and people skills in genuine leadership.

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