Organizations need great managers to succeed. According to research by Gallup, the global consulting and research firm, managers account for at least 70% of the difference in how engaged employees are. Although no one doubts the importance of having effective management and leadership teams in modern businesses, many people use the terms interchangeably—overlooking the critical differences between the two.1
Managers can be great leaders, but they aren’t necessarily so, and vice versa. As more organizations move to remote and hybrid work environments, understanding the skills needed in a leader vs. a manager can make the difference between a team thriving and floundering.2
This article will explore the difference between leadership and management and the role each plays in a successful business.
Understanding Leadership and Management
Leaders inspire people to work together to achieve a common goal. They set examples and keep people focused on the big picture. Great leaders are creative problem-solvers who can find innovative solutions to business problems.
Not all leaders within an organization start out in formal leadership roles. Many natural leaders work on existing teams, so innovative businesses will look for leaders internally.3
Managers fulfill operational roles in a company. They’re responsible for keeping teams working together and staying on track to meet goals. Good managers help employees develop their skills and contribute to their team. Managers usually have assigned hierarchical roles in the organizational structure.3
What Is the Difference Between Leadership and Management?
Although there’s some overlap between leaders and managers, they have fundamentally different objectives.
Leaders set the vision for an organization or team. They think strategically and influence the culture and direction of their business. Managers handle the day-to-day details and see that the plan is carried out and the strategies are implemented.4
Leadership vs. Management in Different Contexts
Because of the overlap between leadership vs. management skills, you’ll often find managers who are leaders and leaders who are managers. This is particularly true in smaller businesses such as startups. In lean organizations, people frequently have to wear many hats, so having leaders take a hands-on management role makes sense.5
There's usually more differentiation between leaders and managers in more structured, larger companies, such as government organizations and enterprises. Under a more hierarchical structure, you’ll usually find the formal leaders in the C-suite and the managers in the layer between executives and the rank and file employees.5
Can a Person Be Both a Leader and a Manager?
While leadership and management aren’t the same, they aren’t mutually exclusive, either. Someone can be both a leader and a manager by combining the traits of both roles. Formal leaders may sit in the C-suite, but leaders can be found at all levels of every organization. Leadership is a mindset, while management is a title.6
The best managers are also leaders. Their job requires them to focus on handling people, but they can bring leadership into their role by focusing on guiding and inspiring their team members instead of simply measuring their output.6
Incorporating regular feedback sessions and one-on-one meetings with direct reports can help managers cultivate leadership. They can use this time to talk with people about their careers and guide them to develop their skills while promoting a vision for the team.6
Developing Modern Leadership Skills
Today’s businesses face unprecedented challenges and opportunities, such as the potential disruption of jobs and new potential products presented by AI. According to the consulting firm McKinsey & Co., these changes require a shift in how you should think of leadership.
To help create sustainable growth in your organization, you need the skills to keep up with the constant reinvention of business driven by advancing technology, globalization, and the changing workforce. Modern leaders need to shift from a traditional mindset to create value in the following ways:7
Consider Impact Over Profit
Although generating profits will remain a core function of all businesses, visionary leaders go beyond measuring profit to considering their organization's overall impact. Consumers are increasingly concerned about spending money with companies that align with their values, so leaders will need to define a bold vision and inspire their team members to share their purpose.7
Move From Meeting Expectations to Displaying Authenticity
If you’re overly concerned about maintaining your image, you can’t bring your authentic self to your leadership position. This shift can be difficult because it requires vulnerability and openness. However, it’s necessary if you want to unleash your full potential as a leader and be adaptable in a rapidly changing environment.7
Become a Catalyst Rather Than a Director
Many organizations are governed by strict hierarchical charts that promote a siloed approach to working. Innovative leaders need to move away from this structured top-down model and instead become catalysts who guide self-managed teams.
By fostering connection, collaboration, and communication across teams, you can cultivate trust and transparency at all levels, increasing employee engagement and satisfaction. Building a network of interconnected entrepreneurial teams throughout a larger organization can drive innovation and cultivate leadership throughout your company.7
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