What’s the Difference Between Management and Leadership?
I’m not one to fall into the “You need to be a leader, not a manager,” trope. Both management and leadership are critical in small businesses, but they are not the same.
My way of thinking is follows:
Management: Being able to produce and measure specific goals, results, numbers, etc.
Leadership: Guiding the team that achieves the goals.
“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”
RALPH NADER
Below are examples of both, to better envision the differences
Leadership
The head chef of a restaurant demonstrates leadership by creating a positive culture in his kitchen. He inspires creativity in his kitchen team, and ensures the cook staff are aligned with the serving staff in the same shared vision of delivering an exceptional dining experience for the customers.
The head chef leads by example, encouraging teamwork and a high standard of quality in the service and dishes delivered.
Management
The restaurant manager, however, shows her management skills by overseeing daily operations such as inventory control, scheduling, and budgeting sales and purchases. She focuses on staff teamwork to increase the restaurants efficiency, not necessarily due to a shared vision.
She ensures that orders are prepared smoothly by following procedures.
She’s responsible for enforcing store rules to maintain the businesses integrity.
Are either of these optional? No. They’re both needed and craved by great employees.
Together, effective management and leadership make a balanced approached to growing your business, combining strategy with motivational guidance for measurable growth and achievement.
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