The difference between leadership and management is sometimes subtle, but there is much overlap between the two. Effective leaders are adept at creating a shared vision that others can visualize. This is one of the core competencies of leaders, and Peter Senge provides perspectives on how to do this. Beyond creating a shared vision, leaders must identify broader strategies to make the vision a reality. This can range from simple, yet effective team building exercises to identifying individual skills and strengths.
There are many definitions for leading and managing, and the terms are not mutually exclusive. However, many people believe that they are two different concepts. They differ from one another in that they describe different levels of the taxonomy related to performance and organizational effectiveness. The distinction between leadership and management is not as clear as it used to be. There are a variety of definitions of both leadership and management, and these differences need to be understood and appreciated.
The primary differences between leadership and management lie in the way leaders and managers approach their roles. Leaders are charged with creating a high-level vision for a team and innovatively solving problems. Managers, on the other hand, are more focused on the hows and whens of how things should be done. Therefore, the difference between leadership and management can be summed up in these terms:
Leaders are often considered inspirational and persuasive. Their actions encourage and empower their employees and teams to reach their goals. They inspire and challenge the status quo to achieve their goals. Similarly, top executives should be adept at using a variety of tools to communicate ideas, communicate decisions, and make decisions. Ultimately, they must be able to negotiate effectively with staff and people outside the organization. In other words, they should be able to persuade people to do what they do best and to follow their lead.
Although management and leadership roles often overlap, there are some situations in which managers should assume a leadership role. However, managers should not mistake leadership and management as interchangeable terms. The differences between management and leadership are subtle and can be a source of confusion for those who confuse the two terms. If you are confused about the difference between the two, consider this:
The main differences between management and leadership are largely in the way leaders decide where to go and how to make it happen. Managers share specific directions and are better suited for creating an environment for success. Ultimately, they are the ones who create a culture of success and make it possible for people to follow their lead. When you understand these differences, you can maximize your own effectiveness and that of your team. Management is about making decisions. A leader makes decisions, a manager shares specific instructions.
Leadership requires the trust of followers while management involves control. A leader develops new ideas and initiates the transition of an organization into the forward-thinking phase. The leader uses knowledge of current trends and a clear sense of purpose. Likewise, a manager must oversee the established, but important, things and keep the bottom line up. The manager must control employees and workflow. It is crucial to make a distinction between management and leadership. Ultimately, your organization will benefit from both leadership and management skills.