LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Is it possible for all Managers to become Leaders?

Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT VERSUS LEADERSHIP3

MANAGEMENT3

LEADERSHIP3

COMPARISONS5

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEADERS8

CREATING THE VISION AND LEADING BY EXAMPLE8

EMPOWERING, INSPIRING AND ENERGIZING PEOPLE8

BUILDING AND LEADING THE TEAM9

RECOMMENDATIONS9

CONCLUSION10

Is it possible for all Managers to become Leaders?

Management and Leadership

Leaders and Managers, are they same? Is it likely to be one without other? Is it possible for every manager to become a leader? The terms 'Manager' and 'Leader' are often utilized interchangeably. Although, these terms have dissimilar meanings, people usually relate them with one another. This paper will distinguish between the terms leadership and management, examine responsibilities and role of leaders in maintaining and creating a strong organizational environment, and make recommendations to create and preserve the healthy organizational culture.

Management versus Leadership

Management

The definition of Manager, according to Encyclopedia Britannica Online, is states that the “Manager is the person who manages and conducts business or household affairs” (2008). Managers are given authority by their organization to lead employees, and therefore, they have subordinates. So, even though managers are in charge, but they are not leaders in terms of definition. Managers do as they are directed, and in turn, they direct their subordinates. Management requires planning, schedules, production, and time constraints since, this role is task oriented.

Leadership

A leader does not necessarily hold the management position. A leader, as defined by Encyclopedia Britannica Online, is “a person who leads and has commanding authority or influence” (2008). Leaders do not have subordinates, they have followers. Leadership inspires, motivates and sets direction to achieve goals; leaders focus on people. Both people and organizations need leaders. People want leaders to assist them in accomplishing their goals while, an organization needs leaders to not only motivate, but also to provide organizational direction for employees to follow. According to Kouzes and Posner (1994), five key behaviors for what is wanted of leaders from both people and organizations are:

(a) Challenge process,

(b) Motivate the distributed vision,

(c) Endow others to act,

(d) Model way, and

(e) Encourage the communication (p. 960).

Leaders challenge processes. Effective leaders challenge normal processes by mentioning that they are always controversial. Leaders challenge current beliefs and practices and take initiatives to propose and establish better ways of doing things. Leaders do not wait for things to be done, they do them.

Leaders motivate the distributed vision. Using authority does not appeal to leaders or their followers. Effective leaders inspire and motivate others by sharing their values and beliefs.

Leaders provide a platform for their followers to act. They make information readily available and empower people to their full potential. They help others to achieve their goals.

Leaders model way by demonstrating their beliefs in their actions. They speak honestly about their vision and do what they believe is right. The major funtion of the leaders is to encourage heart. Showing appreciation and providing rewards are some ways through which leaders show encouragement and motivate others.

Comparisons

Leaders create change, focus on leading people, have followers, have long-term goals and are proactive. They create the vision, approach vision by setting direction, facilitate in ...