12 Mar 25
Leadership and Management have always been uneasy bedfellows because one is seen in a much better light than the other.
However, this article will serve to outline just how both complement each other, and are in fact intertwined. This means that one cannot exist without the other.
In any role where authority or influence are required, you will need to flex between the two skillsets depending on the context within which you are operating.
Knowledge and mastery of both is, in my view, key to success!
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#52 - Leadership AND Management - We need both!
What?
The polarised debate over the difference between leadership and management continues. This is despite the sheer volume of articles and opinions which have been aired and shared over the years, and which have explored pretty much every angle.
Which is best? Which is the skillset that is more effective? A glance through LinkedIn only serves to emphasise this debate, with leadership seemingly coming out on top over management.
The term 'Leadership' is seen in a much better light. 'Management' has been relegated to second place, perhaps only to be exercised by those who are just not 'good enough' to be leaders!
I think that this is an unfair comparison. Both leadership and management have their own unique place within roles which have significant responsibility associated with them.
Why?
It is fundamentally clear that there is a delineation between the two disciplines. Leadership is seen as 'sexier' than Management. Everyone appears to want to be known as a leader. Whilst we aspire to 'Management', people appear reluctant to associate themselves with the term 'Manager' lest it be perceived to be associated with inflexibility and a fixed mindset.
It's a shame, because this view neglects the important role that management does play within the work environment.
Ultimately, the two concepts work together hand in hand and complement each other very well.
As a person in a senior role within a Company, I find myself jumping between the two multiple times a day. Of course it all depends on the context of what you are dealing with at the time, what your focus is and what the pressures are in terms of urgency and priority.
How?
So, the easiest way for me to articulate the 'blended' nature of both leadership and management is probably to explain my interpretation of the two. Then I'll back this up with a model which will hopefully serve to satisfy this debate once and for all (I doubt it but you can't blame me for trying!).
Here goes...
Imagine the roof of your house is leaking water when it rains. Clearly you will want to repair it.
Management is all about gathering the tools and materiels required to be able to successfully conduct the repair.
Leadership is all about putting the ladder in the right place to facilitate that repair.
And here is a graphic which I hope will explain this a little further:
The eye is an appropriate way to describe the interaction between the two concepts.
Leadership is all about vision and setting the aim or destination. This is underpinned by the influencing that needs to be done to ensure the team are onboard and willing to accompany the leader on the journey.
The pupil describes the management aspects which must be focussed on. The iris outlines the process to be followed to achieve the aim.
Hopefully that clears that one up...?
In Summary
I hope that you enjoyed reading this newsletter and that it has given you food for thought.
Leadership and management are inextricably intertwined and serve to complement each other. One cannot exist without the other, and both are equally as important.
In any role that exercises or exerts authority and/or influence, being able to master both is absolutely key.
Have a great week!
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