A511.1.3.RB - Leadership vs. Management
Leadership is not defined by one simple definition, instead it is defined based on individual circumstances and the leader’s purpose (Yukl, 2013, p. 2). On the other hand, management has a defined definition, the act or skill of controlling and making decisions about a business, department or sports teams (Management, n.d). Leaders and managers share many of the same skills and qualities, however; there are distinct differences between a leader and managers. What defines a leader and how do they strive to improve the workforce? What defines a manager and how do they improve the workforce? Is it possible to have leaders and managers working together to improve the workforce?
According the Merriam-Webster dictionary (Leadership, n.d) is defined as the power or ability to lead others. This definition is simple compared the definitions from “Leadership Organizations” (Yukl, 2013, p.3) which defines leadership with at least eight varying definitions. A few key words that break down the multiple definitions of leadership are a behavior of an individual, influential, articulating visions and a process of giving purpose (Yukl, 2013, p. 3). Leaders in the workforce care about the people who are working with them and they value flexibility, innovation, and adaption (Yukl, 2013, p. 6). Leaders also stand out in the workforce because they strive to do the right thing for others (Yukl, 2013, p.6), standing up for what is right is not easy because others may disagree or resist necessary change.
According to (Yukl, 2013, p.6) a person can be a manager without being a leader because managers and leaders differ in their values and personalities. Managers do not have the same personality as leaders because they have different standards, these include stability, order and efficiency and their focus is on short term results (Yukl, 2013, p. 6). Managers strive to improve the workforce because their focus is on getting the job done and improving job performance. According to (Zaleznik, 1977) managers need to be persistent, tough-minded, hard-working, analytical and tolerant of others. Managers differ quite differently from leaders and it takes a balance of both skills to have a thriving workforce.
Is it possible for an individual to hold a position of a manager and leader together in the work force and still be effective in their position? According to (Yukl, 2013) and (Zaleznik, 1977) it is not possible to be both a leader and a manager at the same time because personality, job requirements, and goals vary greatly between the two jobs.
By definition leaders and managers vary greatly, however, both are essential for a thriving and successful work environment. Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others (Jack Welch).
Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations (Eighth ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
"Leadership." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 15 Aug. 2015. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leadership>.
Management. (n.d.). Retrieved August 15, 2015, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/management
Zaleznik, A. (1977). Managers and leaders: Are they different? Harvard Business Review, 55(3), 67-78
