The Distinction Between Leaders and Managers
Introduction: Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King Jr., and Margaret Thatcher are among those who have received the distinction of a "great leader" and having "leadership abilities". Yet none of them has been referred to as a "manager" or being in "the order of management". In the words of Warren B. Bennis, this is because "Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality", which these visionaries accomplished. In this respect, the concept of leadership and management are not synonymous, especially in regards to business. This paper will attempt to define the fine line between leadership and management in business. It will explore three types of leadership styles as discussed in the "Leadership Journey" by Schaeffer 2002, highlight the attributes of a good leader and identify the communication skills required to succeed as a leader.
Leadership versus Management: Leadership and management are often perceived to be the same in organizations, but they are distinct processes in an organization 's dynamics. Michael Maccoby defined "management as a function that must be exercised in any business and leadership as a relationship between leader and the led that can energize an organization" . Another way to view leadership and management can be seen in Peter Coutts ' article to the clergy at St Andrew 's Presbyterian Church. He cites Bernard Bass who says that "leaders manage and managers lead, but the two activities are not synonymous. Management functions can potentially provide leadership; leadership activities can contribute to managing. Nevertheless, some managers do not lead, and some leaders do not manage" . Leadership Styles:
In his article "The Leadership Journey" Leonard Schaeffer (2002) identifies three styles of leadership and how they relate to management. At the beginning of Schaeffer 's career with Blue Cross of California, he had to assume the role of an autocratic leader. Where the top down approach was required, there was a need to
Leadership versus Management: Leadership and management are often perceived to be the same in organizations, but they are distinct processes in an organization 's dynamics. Michael Maccoby defined "management as a function that must be exercised in any business and leadership as a relationship between leader and the led that can energize an organization" . Another way to view leadership and management can be seen in Peter Coutts ' article to the clergy at St Andrew 's Presbyterian Church. He cites Bernard Bass who says that "leaders manage and managers lead, but the two activities are not synonymous. Management functions can potentially provide leadership; leadership activities can contribute to managing. Nevertheless, some managers do not lead, and some leaders do not manage" . Leadership Styles:
In his article "The Leadership Journey" Leonard Schaeffer (2002) identifies three styles of leadership and how they relate to management. At the beginning of Schaeffer 's career with Blue Cross of California, he had to assume the role of an autocratic leader. Where the top down approach was required, there was a need to
Cited: Bennis, W (Spring 1999) "The Leadership Advantage" Leader to Leader. 12, p 18-23. Coutts, P (October 1, 2001) Leadership vs. Management http://www.telusplanet.net/public/pdcouts/leadership/LdrVsMgt.htm Maccoby, M (2000) Understanding the difference between management and leadership. Research Technology Management 43(1), 57 – 59 Schaeffer, L.D. (2002) The leadership journey Harvard Business Review 80(10), 42 -47 Maccoby, M (2000) Understanding the difference between management and leadership. Research Technology Management 43(1), 57 Coutts, P (October 1, 2001) Leadership vs. Management http://www.telusplanet.net/public/pdcouts/leadership/LdrVsMgt.htm