Leadership vs. Management

“Management” and “Leadership” are two terms often thrown around to mean the same thing. However, while they are similar in some ways, they are also quite different. In this article, we will define each term and describe their differences. Then, we will discuss three key similarities they have.

What is Management?

Management refers to controlling an aspect of a company and/or managing a group of people. The job of a manager is to ensure his or her department performs and that his or her employees have what they need to succeed. In sum, managers are responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating tasks, and staffing their departments.

What is Leadership?

Leadership refers to leading a group of people, but in more than just from a managerial standpoint. Leaders should strive to be figures that others look up to and admire. The best managers are also leaders, but one does not have to be a manager to be an effective leader. On the other hand, one can be a manager and control a department, but not be an effective leader. Unlike a manager, the job of a leader is to inspire and motivate people, while also acting as a mentor and influencer.

Where Do Management and Leadership Overlap?

While management and leadership have their differences, they overlap in three key areas, as both managers and leaders need the following three skills to succeed:

• Problem-Solving: Both managers and leaders frequently find themselves in situations where they must problem-solve. To be an effective leader or manager, you must be able to think critically, analyze a situation, and solve problems.

• Communication: Communication is crucial for just about anything, especially for being an effective leader or manager. As both either lead or control large groups of people, they must be able to communicate their messages clearly and concisely.

• Decision-Making: Making big decisions can be difficult, but both leaders and managers need to be able to make tough decisions to excel. This means having excellent critical analysis and strategic planning skills to ensure they consider all variables before deciding on a path forward.

Overall, while the lines between leadership and management can blur, the two have their differences. Regardless, though, both must be excellent problem solvers, communicators, and decision makers to succeed in the business world.

About the Author -- Joshua Ferdman

Joshua Ferdman is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur, specializing in technology, finance, and real estate. He started working in the mortgage business at the age of 16 and hasn't stopped since. Joshua always said that the most important job you can ever have is phone sales. He writes about entrepreneurship, leadership, and succeeding in the professional world.