Is There a Difference Between Leadership and Management?

Within any industry, the structural complexities that exist within each organization are numerous. No matter the industry, having the right people, in the right positions, is crucial. And we get it – this isn’t news to anyone. However, one of the things that so many companies continue to struggle with is the difference between leadership and management, and whether that difference even matters. If you have a great manager, one who can effectively ‘lead’ a team, isn’t that enough? If you want to innovate it isn’t!

Are all managers, leaders? No. Are all leaders, managers? Again, no. Many individuals may find themselves in one category or the other. Can a manager be a leader? Of course – and many are. That being said, these two attributes often go hand in hand, but that doesn’t mean that they are the same thing.

So, what is the biggest difference between leadership and management? One of the many important things that leaders do is create change. Whether internal or external, innovation within an organization is essential for growth, and your leaders are the ones who come up with the ideas that lead to those changes. That may mean a small change resulting in increased efficiency with your manufacturing process, or a big one that sees a complete overhaul of your entire process or product offering. Whatever the change, leaders are those who act as change catalysts.

Among the many important things that managers do, probably the most important is the implementation and management of change. Once your leader has ignited the idea of change, the manager will implement and manage the changes. For many employees, change can be a challenge, since it often breeds uncertainty. An effective manager needs to circumvent this, ensuring that all team members are aware of why the change is being made, as well as the benefits it will potentially bring to them and the organization.

Can you have one without the other? We would argue no. Think about it this way: if one exists without the other, the entire process becomes fragmented. Collaboration in innovation is critical – both in its creation and its implementation. And remember, change doesn’t always come from the top down, so someone in a management position may not recognize the same need for change or how to achieve it as someone outside of the management bubble. Everyone – leaders, managers and employees need to create an environment where it is safe to fail, one that encourages innovation by giving root to new ideas and letting them grow.

When it comes to innovation, Innovators Alliance can help you better navigate the difference between leadership and management, and help you develop a strategy to reap the many benefits. Contact us at 1-905-332-0340 for more information.