Before we look at leadership, I think it’s important to discuss the differences between management and leadership.
“Managers perform functions in organisations and hold a particular formal title and/or fulfil a role.”(Brooks 2006 p.152)
“Leaders . . . aim to influence and guide others into pursuing and particular objectives or visions of the future and to stimulate them into wanting to follow.” (Brooks 2006 p.152)
What is the relationship between leadership and management? Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, management is more usually viewed as getting things done through other people in order to achieve stated organizational objectives. Management is regarded as relating to people working within a structured organization and with prescribed roles. To people outside the organisation the manager might not necessarily be seen in a leadership role.
The emphasis on leadership is on an interpersonal behaviour in a broader context. It is often associated with the willing and enthusiastic behaviour of followers. Leadership does not necessarily take place within the hierarchical structure of the organisation. It occurs at different levels and can be manifested in different ways. Many people operate as leaders without their role ever being established or defined.
Warren Bennis – Leadership Expert – ‘ On becoming a Leader’ 1994
“Managers are people who do things right, while leaders are people who do the right thing’.
“The debate between Leadership and Management is well rehearsed and usually produces shades of two perpectives, presented here as extremes: An hierarchical relationship with Leadership at the top: Leadership and Management equal in status, but at opposite ends of the continuum. Frankly there is little evidence to support one view over the other. But there is overwhelming evidence that people like the idea of being a ‘leader’. Indeed, this may be the reason why the debate still rages, as it fulfils a need