Leadership vs.
Management; what is the difference? Leadership theorists and researchers
suggest that there are clear and convincing differences between the two. By
understanding the differences, we must first define the terms. While
reviewing a wide variety of thoughts, opinions and theories, I have
concluded the following:
LEADERSHIP tends to involve visionary thinking, belief that with great risk
comes great reward, achievement of goals by inspiring followers,
motivational and possessing the qualities that mirror the organization's
mission and vision.
Whereas MANAGEMENT tends to involve direction of day-to-day operational
tasks, management and maintenance of budgets and deadline oriented,
directing teams to achieve goals by establishing objectives.
In defining the terms, we realize that management is operational, task
oriented, budget conscious and mindful of
deadlines, and leaders are inspirational, motivational, visionary,
big-picture and long-term focused. Leaders lead people and managers manage
tasks.
Research, although often contradictory, generally concludes that the most
effective leader possesses a strong and balanced combination of both
effective management and inspired leadership.
As I take a moment to revisit my career path, I know that I have encountered
many respectable managers and a few good leaders, but seldom have I
encountered a true leader, who encompasses the positive qualities of
effective management and inspiring leadership. I realize that for many,
their lives have become focused on managing the day-to-day this-and-that,
trying to find balance between the job, the spouse, the kids, the bills, the
cat, the dog, but where is the inspiration?
Have we become a society of
managers that lack effective leadership skills? And if so, how can we become
inspired in
our careers and in our personal lives and find balance in both? I have
learned that when we are inspired, we are energetic and enthusiastic about
what we do. Inspiration is something that we must seek out when it is absent
from our life.
As a Human Resources Consultant, I have encountered an extensively vast
number of individuals who possess unique and wonderful qualities. As part of
development, I have been trained to seek out these qualities and advise on
development plans for individuals who may fit the mold of tomorrow's
leaders. Although few and far between, I encourage these individuals to
follow their passion.
If an employee has the core
qualities of a leader, yet he is actively disengaged in his current
position, where might he better fit in? What is it that inspires him? These
are the questions that we need to be answered. If one is inspired, then it
is likely that those around him will also be inspired. A true leader exudes
energy and an organization can enjoy the benefits of increased productivity,
profitability and employees who find fulfillment in their careers.
Human Resource professionals of the modern age know that we play a key role
in developing the workforce of tomorrow. For those aspiring leaders, listen
to your heart, turn your passion into a career and go forth and conquer!
****
About The Author: By Lisa Cieslica, PHR of National PEO,
Arizona,
http://www.nationalpeo.com/ - Human
Resources
Consultants:
http://www.nationalpeo.com/ provides HR
services
to hundreds of companies including PEO services. Please link to
this site when using this article.
