Difference Between Management and Leadership

Management and Leadership are very different though often thought to be the same thing. On the contrary, leadership is a part of effective management, but management includes much more. Management is the process of planning, organizing, coordinating, leading, and controlling the activities of others to reach organizational goals, enhance performance, and increase productivity. Leadership is the ability to influence the activities of others in order to accomplish the same objectives. Though the two are often used synonymously, there is an important difference between management and leadership. Management is focused on reaching the desired goals or achievements of the business on a daily basis. Leadership is focused on inspiring and motivating employers to uptake a company’s vision or change for the long term. Because effective management is inclusive of leadership, I believe it is more important than leadership by itself. While leadership is still very important, it doesn’t always matter. In some situations and circumstances, leadership isn’t necessary, is unlikely to make much of a difference, or isn’t to blame for poor performance or lack of productivity. Some business matters, including employee performance may be out of a leader’s control. This can make it impossible for leaders to reach or influence subordinates. Managers that can function efficiently in the other managerial areas of planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling is essential to business success. This is especially true in cases where quality leadership is ineffective.