Today we are going to quickly take a look at the difference between leadership and management. Oftentimes these two words are interchanged while talking about business or enterprise, simply due to two factors. First of all many people do not actually know the differences between the two. Secondly, some of the qualities and characteristics required or manifested in leaders also apply to managers, so this makes people think that the two are the same. What about you my dear? Do you see any differences between the two? In my opinion I candidly agree with many authors, consultants and educationists that the two are different. Multiple books also tend to confirm this. However, in many small organizations you usually find the manager also putting on the hat of a leader. Larger organizations tend to have these two roles better defined in both words and actions.
It is often said that leadership is the first creation, while management is the second creation. Leaders use more of intuition, creativity and innovation, hence utilizing more of the right side of the brain while managers use more of logic and analytical thinking, hence using more of the left side of the brain. Now, don’t ask me too many questions about this left and right side of the brain things! Ok? I’m simply basing on scientific knowledge and research which you can search for and read for yourself. Additionally, there are literally hundreds of definitions of leadership and management, but our duty today is not on the definitions. We will instead dwell on the top reasons why an entrepreneur must know the differences between leadership and management. This knowledge determines many things in an enterprise.
Stephen R. Covey, one of the renowned management guru once said this, I quote; “A leader is the one who climbs the tallest tree, surveys the entire situation and yells, ‘wrong jungle’”.
So, can we then proceed and consider why an entrepreneur must distinguish between the two?
That’s it for today, and for a terrific ending – have a fantabulous week!
Respectfully,
The Wise Entrepreneur