Management and Leadership—What’s the Difference?

Would you rather be called a manager or a leader?  I would much rather been seen as a leader, but most positions I have filled required management functions as well.

At its best, leadership is about vision, inspiration, and change, focusing on why and where an organization should go.  On the other hand, management is about execution, systems, and stability, focusing on how to get there efficiently.  Both require communication, problem-solving, decision-making skills.   Leaders set the direction and motivate people, whereas managers implement the plans and maintain order.

 You might look at it in this way:

Leadership (Visionary & Strategic)

• Focus: Big picture, long-term vision, innovation, organizational culture, purpose.
• Role: Inspires and influences; develops people; champions change.
• Authority Source: Personal power, ability to motivate and build trust.
• Mindset: Future-oriented, "What if?".  

Management (Tactical & Operational)

• Focus: Short-term goals, processes, systems, resources, budgets, timelines.
• Role: Organizes, plans, controls, solves problems, ensures smooth operations.
• Authority Source: Formal position and organizational structure.
• Mindset: Present-focused, "How do we do this?".  

Organizations need both, and often leaders have to manage, and managers have to lead.  A good manager incorporates leadership skills to inspire their team, while strong leaders understand the management needed to bring their visions to life. 

 My challenge is to you is to incorporate both into your organizational role.  Good managers can show care and support for their people while overseeing processes.  Good leaders should respect the fact that what they accomplish is limited by the proper use of resources.  Many times, one person has fill both roles.  Finding the proper balance keeps us on our toes!