BUS FPX 3011 Assessment 3 Leading and Managing BUS-FPX3011 Fundamentals of Management Leading and Managing
While the terms “manager” and “leader” are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct roles within an organization. Managers are primarily responsible for overseeing and controlling various aspects of a company or organization, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently. In contrast, leaders are recognized for their ability to inspire and guide individuals or groups. The key distinction lies in the relationship each role has with their team: leaders are followed willingly, while managers are served by employees who are obligated to complete tasks (Dictionary.com, 2020).
Leaders’ Characteristics
Leaders possess specific skills that differentiate them from managers. They excel at creating value, fostering creativity, and motivating innovation. These qualities encourage people to choose to follow them. A good leader embodies these skills and earns their authority through their expertise, knowledge, and capabilities. The context in which one should adopt a leadership role often involves collaborative projects or goals that require inspiration and teamwork. A leader in such situations encourages group cohesion and drives collective effort toward achieving objectives. While leadership can emerge from any individual in a variety of contexts, it is essential for a leader to lead by example and unify the team (Johnson, 2009).
Managers’ Characteristics
The concept of a manager is frequently associated with a more traditional boss-employee dynamic, characterized by a required relationship rather than an authentic one (Johnson, 2009). Managers are tasked with planning, directing, and supervising their employees’ activities to meet specific quotas and deadlines. Unlike leaders, managers do not need to inspire workers; they wield authority to ensure that tasks are completed. A competent manager sets clear objectives, anticipates challenges, and considers all stakeholders, including customers and employees. In scenarios requiring structural changes within a department, a manager must ensure coverage and completion of relevant duties, as this is often a task-oriented situation rather than one driven by motivation (Millett, 2012).
| Aspect | Leaders | Managers |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Inspire and motivate followers | Oversee and control tasks |
| Relationship with team | Followed by choice | Employees work for them |
| Key Skills | Creativity, inspiration, value creation | Planning, directing, overseeing tasks |
| Authority Source | Earned through knowledge and skills | Given through organizational structure |
| Context for Role | Group projects or collaborative goals | Departmental reconstruction and task-oriented situations |
| Objective | Foster teamwork and innovation | Ensure completion of duties and objectives |
Both leaders and managers play crucial roles in achieving organizational goals, but they do so through different methods. Leaders motivate and inspire, while managers ensure tasks are completed efficiently. Individuals who embody qualities from both roles are typically more effective in meeting objectives, as they can inspire innovation and ensure the completion of tasks simultaneously.
References
Allman, S. (2009, October). Leadership vs. management. Successful Meetings, 11, 12.
Brown, J. (2010, January). Leadership vs. management. Supply House Times, 52(11), 118-121.
Cassie, P. &. (2011, January). Leadership styles: A powerful model. Training Journal, 46-51.
Dictionary.com. (2020). Dictionary.com. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com
Johnson, R. (2009, June). Are managers leaders or are leaders managers? Supply House Times, 52(4), 66-67.
BUS FPX 3011 Assessment 3 Leading and Managing
Millett, S. (2012, September). Thought leader: Why managers must be futurists. New Zealand Management, 21.
Rao, P. S. (2009). Principles and practice of management. Retrieved from https://ebookcentralproquest-com.library.capella.edu
Schalm, R. (2009, December). We need fewer leaders, better managers. Canadian HR Reporter, 22(22