Leadership and Management, do you really know the difference?
By: Steve Hockey
February 28, 2023
Leadership vs. Management
Leadership and management are two different concepts, yet they are often used interchangeably. While both require certain skills and traits, they have different goals and objectives. A leader's primary focus is to inspire and guide a team towards a common vision or goal. A manager, on the other hand, is responsible for organizing, coordinating, and controlling resources to achieve specific objectives efficiently. Whilst many managers in senior roles believe themselves to be good leaders, do they really know the difference?
One of the primary differences between a good leader and a good manager is their focus. A leader is focused on the long-term vision and inspires their team to work towards achieving that vision. Many CEO’s have this talent and often lack some of the operational strengths of the managers around them.
A manager, on the other hand, is focused on the short-term goals and objectives that are necessary to achieve the long-term vision.
Winston Churchill once said,
"The difference between management and leadership is communication. While management is about maintaining the status quo, leadership is about taking people to a place they have never been before."
A good leader has the ability to inspire and motivate their team to work towards a common goal. They have a clear vision and communicate it effectively to their team. A leader understands their team's strengths and weaknesses and knows how to leverage them to achieve the desired outcome. Again, Churchill,
"The nation will find it very hard to look up to the leaders who are keeping their ears to the ground."
This quote emphasizes the importance of leaders setting the direction and vision for their team, rather than simply following the opinions of others. In contrast, a good manager focuses on organizing and optimizing resources to achieve specific objectives efficiently. They are responsible for delegating tasks, monitoring progress, and making decisions to ensure the team is on track to achieve their goals.
"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things."
Another difference between a good leader and a good manager is the way they approach risk-taking. A leader is willing to take risks and make bold decisions to achieve the long-term vision. They understand that with risk comes the potential for failure, but they also know that the rewards can be great.
In contrast, a good manager is risk-averse and tends to take a more conservative approach. They focus on minimizing risks and ensuring that the team is on track to achieve their short-term objectives.
Another difference between a good leader and a good manager is their approach to communication. A leader is an effective communicator and understands the importance of listening to their team's ideas and concerns. They create an environment of open communication and collaboration, where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.
In contrast, a good manager tends to have a more authoritative approach to communication. They focus on giving instructions and ensuring that the team is following the right processes and procedures.
So, to conclude, leaders have a vision, they align people, they are creative, they inspire, they look to the future and they shape company culture.
Managers think process, they organise people, they think execution of ideas, they drive results, they focus on the present and they spread company culture.
At the end of the day, every organisation needs both, good leaders and excellent managers, maybe now is the time for you to decide who you want to be.
If you want to discuss your leadership skills and leadership potential, do reach out to your Predictus Search consultant who I am sure will be only too willing to help.