Renowned management consultant and author Peter F. Drucker once said, “Leadership is doing the right things; management is doing things right.” He illustrated the distinction between management and leadership with the statement.
It’s a common misconception that a competent manager makes a good leader. That is untrue, though, as traits that contribute to managerial excellence frequently work against innovation. To learn more about what leadership is and how it differs from management, keep reading.
What is the nature of leadership?
The Oxford Dictionary defines leadership in this way. To put it plainly, being a leader involves taking chances and questioning the status quo. Followers are motivated by leaders to take on challenging and better tasks. It’s noteworthy to observe that innovators don’t follow directions; instead, they pursue their objectives. The accomplishments and knowledge gained by the team are used to gauge success.
On the other hand, management focuses on assigning tasks and enforcing compliance in order to lower risk and produce predictable results. Four essential tasks must be completed by a manager: organizing, leading, controlling, and planning.
Managers, in contrast to leaders, do not question the status quo. Rather, they work to keep it that way. If the team has accomplished what was anticipated, that is how they measure success.
What differentiates management and leadership?
Managers and leaders use distinct strategies to accomplish their objectives. Managers, for instance, prioritize following policies and guidelines, but leaders get their kicks from going against the grain and upending the status quo. These are the ways that management and leadership differ from one another.
Leaders are visionaries who set goals for their team, while managers ensure their superiors’ goals are achieved. Managers achieve their goals by delegating responsibilities and organizing resources, while leaders motivate and focus on personal development. They envision their team’s future growth and work towards achieving it. Leaders analyze and assess situations to achieve new results, while managers focus on how and when to achieve goals. Both leaders and managers work together to achieve the status quo and their goals.
How do leaders behave?
Not everyone in a higher position within an organization is a leader. However, they are well-known for their morals and work ethics. A leader is enthusiastic about what they do and instills the same passion in others, helping them to reach their objectives. You can think about enrolling in a leadership course or a leadership training program if you don’t think you currently have the necessary skills.
What Qualities Make Someone a Good Leader?
1. Honesty and Integrity: Virtuosity and honesty are highly regarded by leaders. There are many who support them and their mission.
2. Inspiration: Leaders are excellent influencers because they are self-motivated. For those who follow them, they serve as good role models. They aid others in comprehending their positions within a larger framework.
3. Effective communication: Leaders are excellent communicators. They communicate openly and honestly with their staff, sharing both setbacks and achievements.
4. Vision: Visionaries make up leaders. They know exactly what they want and how to get it. Leaders who are skilled communicators can effectively convey their vision to the team.
5. Never give up attitude: Leaders question the status quo. They never give up easily as a result. They also have original approaches to problem-solving.
6. Intuitive: According to leadership expert Hortense le Gentil, leaders ought to trust their instincts when faced with difficult choices. particularly because intuition is more helpful in difficult situations because it largely draws from one’s prior knowledge and life lessons.
7. Empathy: A leader who possesses these qualities will be able to forge a close relationship with their team. These attributes will also assist a leader in resolving the issues, grievances, and goals of his group members.
8. Goal: While empathy is a valuable trait that a leader should possess, it is not a good idea to let feelings influence a crucial business choice. A good leader should, therefore, be impartial.
9. Intelligence: A competent leader needs to be able to solve complex problems from a business standpoint. A leader should also be analytical and consider all sides of an issue before taking a position. A comprehensive leadership development program can enhance this attribute.
