What is the Difference Between Management and Leadership?
In his 1989 book “On Becoming a Leader,” Warren Bennis composed a list of 12 differences in attitude. There is a profound difference between management and leadership, and both are important One really famous is "Managers do things right while leaders do the right thing." The eleven other distinctions, are not (yet) as well know.
- The manager administers. — The leader innovates.
- The manager is a copy. — The leader is an original.
- The manager maintains. — The leader develops.
- The manager focuses on systems and structure. — The leader focuses on people.
- The manager relies on control. — The leader inspires trust.
- The manager has a short-range view. — The leader has a long-range perspective.
- The manager asks how and when. — The leader asks what and why.
- Managers have their eyes on the bottom line. — Leaders have their eyes on the horizon.
- The manager imitates. — The leader originates.
- The manager accepts the status quo. — The leader challenges it.
- The manager is the classic good soldier. — The leader is his own person.
- The manager does things right. — The leader does the right thing.
There is a profound difference between management and leadership, and both are important. Still, much ink has been spent delineating the differences. The manager’s job is to plan, organize and coordinate. The leader’s job is to inspire and motivate.
Etymology
to manage
The English verb "manage" comes from the Italian maneggiare (to handle, especially tools), which derives from the two Latin words manus (hand) and agere (to act). "To manage" means "to bring about, to accomplish, to have charge of or responsibility for, to conduct."
to lead
The English verb "to lead" comes from Middle English leden, from Old English lǣdan;(cause to go with one, lead, guide, conduct, carry; sprout forth; bring forth) akin to Old High German leiten (to lead), Old English līthan (to go) "Leading" is "influencing, guiding in direction, course, action, opinion." The distinction is crucial.