Leadership vs. Management? Is there a difference?

Leading and managing are two terms that most business people are aware of, but that are often used interchangeably. 

However, there are some distinct differences between the two concepts. Leading focuses on guiding and inspiring people, and managing focuses on organizing and controlling resources to achieve a specific goal or outcome. 

Leadership

A leader is someone who has a vision and is able to communicate it effectively to others. Leaders inspire their followers to go above and beyond what is expected of them, and provide guidance and direction to help their team members reach their goals. By setting an example for others to follow, leaders have the ability to influence and inspire people to be the best version of themselves.

Management

A manager is responsible for ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently to achieve the desired outcome. Managers are concerned with things like planning, budgeting, staffing, and processes to ensure that the correct outcomes are achieved. Managers ensure that work is completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard.

When team members feel like they have a strong leader and/or manager, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work. They are also more likely to feel like they are part of a team that is working towards a common goal. This can lead to a number of positive outcomes, such as increased productivity, improved morale, and a greater sense of satisfaction.

It is important for team members to be aware of the potential impact that leadership and management roles can have on them, and to seek out leaders and managers who they believe will be able to help them achieve their goals.

Differences between leading and managing

One of the key differences between leading and managing is the focus on people versus tasks. Leading places high attention on people and their needs, while managing is more focused on the execution of tasks and achieving results. Leaders are concerned with creating a positive and supportive environment for their team members, while managers are concerned with ensuring that tasks are completed on time and to a high standard.

In terms of problem-solving both take a different approach. Leaders tend to take a more creative and innovative stance, looking for new and better ways to reach objectives. While managers are generally more analytical and structured. Using things like data and processes to solve problems and make business decisions.

If a leader is in a management role but is more focused on management, it can have a number of negative consequences for the team. For example, staff and employees may feel like they lack direction and purpose. 

They may also feel like they are not being motivated or inspired by their leadership team. Or they may feel like they don’t have a good level of trust or can rely on their leader. This can lead to a decrease in team engagement and productivity, and an increase in team turnover.