Leadership and management are two essential skills for anyone who wants to lead a team. While the words are often used interchangeably, there are key differences between the two.
Leadership and Management: How are they different?
People often equate leadership with management, but they are separate and distinct skill sets. The main differences between leadership and management lies in their focus and approach.
Leaders set a vision for the future and create a strategy to get there. They build trust and rapport with their team, and they create a positive and productive work environment. Leaders also provide ongoing clarity to their teams to ensure that their objectives align.
Leaders are not micromanagers. Instead of focusing on day-to-day activities, leaders strive to be forward-looking and seek out future opportunities.
Management is all about planning, organizing, and allocating resources. Managers ensure that the work is done in a timely and efficient manner, monitor progress, and adjust the plan as needed.
Leadership | Management |
Set long-term vision | Focus on day-to-day activities |
Create strategy to achieve vision | Create processes to implement vision |
Build trust and rapport with team | Monitor progress and execution |
Influence and innovate | Resource planning |
Coach and mentor | Task oriented |
State of mind | Title |
Provide ongoing clarity and transparency | Coordinates and plans |
Where Leadership and Management Overlap
Effective leadership and management often go hand in hand. Many professionals who possess strong leadership skills are also managers, but they don’t have to be. You can demonstrate leadership skills in any role.
Leadership is about inspiring and motivating others to achieve a common goal. You don’t have to have the title of manager or have direct reports to be a leader. You can be a leader at any stage of your career.
Successful organizations require leaders who can both inspire and guide, and skilled managers who can ensure efficient operations and execution. As a result, even though they sometimes approach things differently, both leaders and managers work with the same goal in mind.
Sources:
Harvard Business Review: "How to be an Effective Leader at any Stage in your Career" - Lauren Landry
Asana: "Leadership vs. Management: Are They Different?" - Julia Martins
Northeastern University: ""Leadership vs. Management: What's the Difference" - Leslie Doyle
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