What is the Difference Between Leadership and Management?

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What is the Difference Between Leadership and Management?

Would you agree that it is possible for a person to be a good manager, but lack leadership skills?

Probably, yes.

So, we can say that leadership and management are similar, but different concepts.

Both the leaders and managers need the following six core skills.

1. Clear purpose (goal setting).
2. Clear and persuasive communication skills.
3. Planning skills; rational organisation of people and time.
4. Managing conflict and performance management skills.
5. Inspire self.
6. Inspire others.

The difference between leadership and management is one of emphasis.

Leaders specialise in clear goal setting, persuasive communication skills, inspiring self and inspiring others.

Managers specialise in rational organisation of people and time and managing conflict and performance management skills.

So, we can give the following definitions:

Definition of leadership:

Leadership is the art of creating and communicating a clear vision, in a way that inspires others to work together, to achieve it.

Definition of management:

Management is the art of planning and organising people and resources, and managing performance and internal conflicts, in order to achieve the goals that have been set (by the leadership team).

Ideally:

Leaders should also have well-developed people management skills.

Managers should have well-developed leadership qualities.

Sadly, some don't.

Leadership and Management Skills Training

If you would like to develop all six leadership and management skills, then please attend our excellent two-day leadership and management training course.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years’ experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Leadership and Management

• Management Problems
  The three major reasons for management problems are: other people, poor systems and mother nature. In order to manage effectively, we need to develop our management skills.
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• Develop better leadership skills
  Leadership skills are a set of 5 subset skills that cause a person to be perceived by others as their leader. Read more about these skills on our blog.
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• What New Team Leaders Should Do First
  Becoming a team leader-manager is not easy. Winning over a new team takes patience and skill. But by following a few basic tactics you should be on course to win-over your new team and accomplish success in your role.
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• ​Leadership and management development
  Leadership and management require that you set goals This six part essay covers the six major themes of leadership and management development. The six leadership and management development themes are as follows: Your leadership and management development programme needs to be centered on the six essential leadership management skills, namely the...
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• A Rational Approach to Leadership and Management
  Treat all problems and all people according to the principles of reason. Humans are more than a mere Naked Ape. Their rational mind sets them apart from all other animals.
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