From Dr. Perry Martini, Director of Executive Leadership Programs at Academy Leadership
Did you ever wonder why we often talk about whether or not there is a difference between leadership and management? Many think that these words are indeed synonyms and can be used interchangeably. Notwithstanding these perceptions of the two terms, reality dictates that they are indeed not the same. The two are related but their central functions are quite different.
One way to look at it: managers provide leadership, and leaders perform management functions. But the critical point is that managers don’t usually perform the unique functions of leaders.
Some examples of key differences:
- A manager takes care of where you are; a leader takes you to a new place.
- A manager is concerned with finding the facts; the leaders make a decision.
- A manager is concerned with complexity; a leader deals with uncertainty.
- A manager creates rules, regulations and policy; a leader establishes principles.
- A manager finds answers to questions and solutions to problems; a leader formulates the questions and identifies the problem
- Most importantly, the manager’s critical concern is efficiency while the leader’s focuses on effectiveness.
- And much more …
At Academy Leadership we are constantly looking for good managers who want to develop their skills so they can start thinking and therefore acting like real leaders. Managers come to us trained and good at efficiency but seek concepts and ideas in order to become leaders who are more effective in their profession.
Think about it.
