Management vs leadership qualities

Abstract:

Management and leadership are two distinct but complementary approaches to guiding organizations towards success. There are overlaps between the two roles, but there are quite some differences between their qualities. Management focuses on “doing things right”, while leadership focuses on “doing the right things”. Both are important in effective and successful organization; however, balance is key.

Management qualities include planning and organizing, control, rule-following, technical knowledge and being risk-averse. Good management tends to lead to good structure, predictability, and control over projects and the organization. However, since the goal for managers is to do the right things, a common consequence is a too rigid approach, which might lead to resistance to change and lack of inspiration.

Leadership qualities include to be a visionary, have emotional intelligence, being able to influence people, risk-taking, and be adaptable. Good leadership can lead to an inspiring and creative work environment where the vision for the future is clear for others. On the other side, there can easily be lack of structure, unnecessary risk-taking, and sometimes difficulties in execution of their vision.

Even if there are differences between characteristic qualities for management and leadership, there are a common set of skills both managers and leaders should have to be able to guide their organization in the right direction. They should have good communication skills, be strategic thinkers, goal-oriented, problem-solvers, team-builders and have empathy.

Table of content:

- Introduction – the big idea

o Definition of management and leadership

o Purpose of article

- Project management qualities

o The fundamentals of management (planning and organizing, control, rule-following, technical knowledge, risk-aversion etc.)

o Pros of management (structure, predictability, control, etc.)

o Cons of management (bureaucracy, resistance to change, lack of inspiration, etc.)

- Leadership qualities

o The fundamentals of leadership (vision, emotional intelligence, influence, risk-taking, adaptability)

o Pros of leadership (inspiration, creativity, vision, etc.)

o Cons of leadership (risk-taking, lack of structure, difficulty in executing, etc.)

- Balancing management and leadership - application

- Conclusion

Key references:

- Chapter 5: Managing the organization: managerial functions, tasks, processes and competences “Organising and Managing Work”, Harlow: Pearson, 2006

- John P. Kotter 2001: What Do Leaders Really Do?