What is the difference between leadership and management? What makes a good leader or a good manager?
Management and leadership are essential for excellent service delivery. They are similar in some aspects, but they involve different skills and behavior. Management consists of controlling a team and their responsibility, whereas leadership consists of leading people by making them believe in the organization (Bârgău, 2015). Management involves planning, controlling, and organizing an institution that is important in an organization. Management aims to achieve an organization’s goals and avoid risks. Management focuses on the system, whereas leadership emphasizes motivation, communication in an institution (Bârgău, 2015). That is, leadership strives to align the employees with the vision and motivate them to achieve the goals of the institution (Bârgău, 2015). Management employs the authoritarian method to tell people what to do and give directions (Bârgău, 2015). Leadership involves using the motivational style that includes showing the team what they are expected to do and making every individual a hero.
A good manager is seen through the institution he or she manages. A good manager appreciates the employees, thus creating a healthy work environment. Empowering the team is crucial since it gives the employees opportunity to grow (Bârgău, 2015). Spreading positivity improves the work environment, thus increasing the productivity and creativity of the employees. Proper management of tough conversations builds excellent relationships with the employees and clients (Bârgău, 2015). A manager needs to set an example by following the rules. Good communication is critical for good management, as providing feedback on time is a core skill (Bârgău, 2015). A good manager should share knowledge with others and the team and learn from them to ensure great productivity.
A good leader is empathetic to the team to build a great relationship with them. Understanding employees is a significant step in becoming an effective leader (Bârgău, 2015). A good leader has a vision and goals that they share with the team (Bârgău, 2015). Thus, enabling the employees to see the bigger picture of what they are working towards achieving. Creativity and innovation make a leader stand out as they are essential skills in today’s world. Inspiring the team by setting a good example is crucial as they have confidence in achieving their vision and goals (Bârgău, 2015). Without honesty or integrity, it is impossible to be an effective leader. Being honest and integral entails a leader sticking to the values and abiding by the rules. The employees look up to a leader, and for them to give their all, the leader should be committed and passionate (Bârgău, 2015). When the employees see the leader is involved in the work, they are motivated to achieve the institution’s vision. Good leadership and good management are vital for a good outcome of an organization. The roles of leaders and managers in an organization are complementary and enable optimal effectiveness.