Jeriann,
I really like your song analogy! It seems your extensive experience has surely helped you figure out the elements of successful leaders. Thank you for sharing with all of us.
Dr. Jean Norris
It has been my experience over the twenty-nine years that I have been a director of a proprietary school that both roles are essential for the success of our business for our students. As the song goes, "You have to know when to hold them and know when to fold them." I think you have to know when to lead and know when to manage. It is extremely important to get your team to "buy in" on projects and goals that need to be accomplished. It is necessary to listen to your team, value their opinions, request their input, and weigh their suggestions The team must feel appreciated and valued in order for the project to benefit the students and their learning. Once all of this has been established and people feel ownership I think it is then that the management piece of the pie is implemented. People need to know what is expected, be allowed to do what is expected but there must be checks and balances to assure the project is being carried out and meeting the objectives that have been put in place. As a manager it is your job to check on the items and manage the progress of the project.
You're right Jag, they are both important. How do we determine whether we need to be a manager or a leader in a given situation?
Both are of equal importance. One needs to demonstrate skills that would be beneficial for the productivity of the team. Key elements for both leaders and managers are the to have great communication skills, goal setting and influential skills. Managers and Leaders need to focus on what would be a win win for the team and the company's success.
Well said Heather. Can you provide an example of when you personally witnessed this in action?
Great point Sharon! It's true that the size of the organization can impact the balance between being a manager and a leader and requires some flexibility. To your point, having a common goal and respect for all members of the organization is extremely important. Based on your experience, what has helped the management lead successfully at your organization?
Both roles are equally important. However, what role you choose to demonstrate depends on the situation. When rolling out a new project or direction to your staff, the leader needs to take over and focus on the big picture, the importance of team and everyone's commitment to success through workign together and supporting each other.
When the logistics of the new project or direction become the topic, the manager needs to take over and discuss timelines and deliverables.
A great leader will both lead and manage and know when each is best suited for the situation.
A successful organization requires both leaders and managers, therefore it is not a question of which is more important but rather how well the roles are integrated in an organization. In smaller organizations, the leader and manager may well be the same person but in larger organizations, the roles are often divided. There needs to be a healthy respect between both in order to motivate group members to achieve the given goals of the organization.
They are both important at distinct times in a business or project. Without a leader, a manager would not be able to shine in his/her position. However, without a great manager the leader's vision would not move forward.
Great observation Linda. What steps can an individual take to improve their management skills to better lead their team?
I agree you with you 100%. People want to follow a good leader, but if you have poor management skills it makes it difficult lead
You bring up great points, Ralph. Both are essential to success, the key is knowing when to use each 'skill' in a given situation. It's interesting how, as you noted, that good leaders are often judged on their managerial skills and that their leadership qualities aren't recognized until a complex situation arises. This is when I think we see the leader of leaders that you noted above. Thank you for your post!
Thank you Frank. Do you think that one is more important than another?
It is important to have skills in both Leadership and Mangement since they both rely heavily on one another.
Trick question because it depends on what you are doing and what "stutus" you have to perform what needs to be done. You probably have a better chance at being a good manager if you're a good leader versus the other way around, but being a leader involves more 'people' skills, while being a manager involves more organizational skills to include problem solving. A good leader has flexiblity to delegate to other managers and should have the skills to do it effectively but the bottom line in you need to be both a good manager and a good leader. At certain levels good leaders are judged on their managerial skills- it isn't until it starts to get more complex that true leadership skills need to seperate the good leaders from the wanna-bees. You often see this when someone gets promoted to a first line supervisory position and does great but they can't transition to the next level as being a leader. In the military that transition is refered to as ceasing to be a leader of individuals and becoming a leader of leaders.
It's great when we have co-workers that we help to balance us, isn't it? Thank you for your post Richard.
It is not more important to be one or the other. It would be great if one person had the qualities of both a manager and leader. I would think this would be the exception and not the rule. What is important is knowing who possesses what qualities on your team and setting the team up for success. I have a coworker at work who is more visionary than I am; however, I am more organized than he is. When we come up with new ideas for the direction we want to go; he sets up the big picture plan and then I make sure all the steps are taken to get us there. We work very well together.
Thank you for posting Leann. We agree, they do go hand in hand. :)
You need leadership skills to become an effective manager. Both go hand in hand.
Thanks for posting Bruce. Other than leading by example, what are other ways that a person can demonstrate positive leadership?
