What is the Difference Between Management and Leadership
Leadership and management must go hand in hand. They are not the same thing, but they are necessarily linked and complementary. Any effort to separate the two is likely to cause more problems than it solves. Managers have to perform many roles in an organisation and how they handle various situations will depend on their style of management. A management style is an overall method of leadership used by a manager.
So what makes a good manager or leader?.
For many it is someone who can inspire and get the most from their staff. Often quite new managers will ask “What is the best management style?”
Of course, the answer is “it depends”. There is no one style which suits all people and situations. The most effective managers and leaders find ways to adapt their style. There are many qualities that are needed to be a good manager or leader:
To be able to think creatively to provide a vision for the company and solve problems.
Be calm under pressure and make clear decisions.
Possess excellent two-way communication skills.
Have the desire to achieve great things.
Be well informed and knowledgeable about matters relating to the business.
Possess an air of authority.
Do you have to be born with the correct qualities to be a good leader? It is most likely that well known leaders or managers (Winston Churchill, Richard Branson or Alex Ferguson) are successful due to a combination of personal characteristics and good training.
Managers deal with their employees in different ways, some are strict with their staff and like to be in complete control, whilst others are more relaxed and allow workers the freedom to run their own working lives. Whatever approach is used it will be vital to the success of the business. “An organisation is only as good as the person running it”.There are three main categories of management/leadership styles:
1. autocratic
2. paternalistic
3. democratic
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT MANAGEMENT STYLE
If you are responsible for managing a group of employees, then it is important that you find an effective management style so as to ensure maximum employee morale and productivity. There are different ways to lead, and each style comes with its own set of pros and cons. In order to find the best leadership styles for you, you must take many associated circumstances into consideration. Therefore, identifying which style of management is most appropriate is a task that requires some deliberation.
STEPS
1. Familiarise yourself with the different styles of leadership. You should ideally combine certain aspects of 2 or more styles in order to tailor your management style to your specific circumstances.
2. Evaluate