Is there a relationship between Management and Leadership? How closely are they related? In their most basic forms, Management has to do with control, while Leadership has to do with empowerment and release. These are very different concepts. Can the two work together?
In their most basic forms, Management has to do with control, while Leadership has to do with empowerment and release.
While it is possible for managers to be leaders and for leaders to be managers, their functions are very different. Leaders cast vision, set a course, and point the organization in the way that it needs to go. Managers then oversee the process of getting from Point A to Point B. Managers make sure that the right resources are in place, both human and otherwise. They also make sure that the right systems are set up to ensure success.
There is a natural tension between Leadership and Management. Even though they are on the same bus, Mr Leader is looking far down the road, while Mr Manager is focused on keeping the bus moving and on the road. The tension created is not a bad thing. Mr Manager must remember that the goal is not to just keep the bus moving. The goal is to get to their destination. Mr Leader must listen to Mr Manager when he says that they need to stop the bus for gas or maintenance.
Even though they are on the same bus, Mr Leader is looking far down the road, while Mr Manager is focused on keeping the bus moving and on the road.
In a small organization, there is less need for levels of Management. As growth occurs, however, there will need to be oversight to make sure that growth and movement continue to take place. Management should never become restrictive to accomplishing the mission. Leadership needs to listen to their manager’s suggestions and concerns. When Mr Leader and Mr Manager work together, there is not much that they cannot accomplish.
Which end of the scale to you see yourself on, leadership or management?
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