“The true measure of the value of any business leader and manager is performance.”
~ Brian Tracy
Leadership and management are different, although we might interchange these terms. To add even more complexity, we can be both the leader and the manager, switching between these roles as the situation warrants. It comes down to three main differentiators: the purpose served by each role, the skill sets needed to be successful, and the different outcomes that acting as one or the other achieves.
You, the Manager
Managers provide structure, establish processes, manage and allocate resources, and ensure smooth operations and successful task execution. Productivity, task completion, deliverables, goal achievement, employee engagement, and employee satisfaction measure a manager’s effectiveness.
Traits associated with effective management are:
– Setting goals and key performance indicators (KPIs)
– Creating systems, structures, and work plans
– Monitoring performance
– Resolving operational challenges
– Executing on policy
– Managing risk and compliance
You, the Leader
Leaders cultivate vision, create a strategy, inspire others, and leverage and lead change. Effective leaders motivate and guide their teams toward accomplishing shared organizational goals. Successful leadership is evident in employees’ growth, attitude, and productivity, program success and increased profitability, achievement of strategic goals and objectives, and the ability to develop leaders. Leadership qualities are not what makes a leader; it’s the ability to inspire others to follow you.
Traits of successful leaders include:
– Creating and effectively communicating vision and strategy
– Inspiring and empowering others
– Building positive and growth-oriented organizational culture
– Developing trust and relationships
– Driving change and innovation
– Risk-taking and challenging norms
Does the Difference Matter?
Leading and managing are different from but not exclusive of one another. If we only lead with management, our efforts will lack focus and direction. And if we only manage, we risk stagnation, cutting off growth, and stifling creativity. Ideally, we incorporate the traits and functions of both leadership and management. Ideally, we operate and perform best when we learn to balance roles, flexing and adapting to the people and work before us.