The Difference Between Leading and Managing & Why New Managers Need To Do Both

Becoming a new manager or supervisor for the first time is an exciting promotion, but too often there is a lack of resources or training to allow you to thrive. A good manager has all the tools they need to support their team, and the leadership skills to motivate and encourage them.

One of the most interesting conversations I’ve had with students is the difference between leadership and management. I ask them what it means to be a manager versus what it means to be a leader… I get responses like “managers oversee people while leaders oversee big pictures” or “managers are operational while leaders are idealistic.”  

After a little bit of back and forth, we land on the distinction: Leadership and management are distinct skills, but you need both if you want to be great at either. 

It’s important to understand the difference between leading and managing, and learn how to both lead and manage.

There are things we do that are managing and things that we do that are leadership. It’s important to understand the difference and offer some ways you can develop management and leadership skills in ways that support both.

Management is the work you do on the ground. It is much more short-term, operational, and functional. 

Management is when you create a schedule, order products, make sure resources are where they need to be, check to make sure things are done correctly and set a plan in place. 

For you to be successful as a manager, you need to know what's expected of you. What do you need to control? What do you need to watch? 

You also need to have a team that is willing to work with you. That’s where leadership skills comes in.

You can be the most precise and well-planned manager there is, but if people don't want to work for you or you can’t get your employees engaged in their work, they aren't going to put forth the effort that you need to be successful.  

Leadership is that next level. Leadership is about influencing, motivating, and enabling your team to contribute to your organization’s success. It's empowering people and coaching people.

Instead of making sure you have the resources, it's identifying ways to adapt if the resources aren't there. Leadership is about having a long-term vision. 

But vision alone isn’t enough to be a leader -- you need to follow through. 

Good leaders get people excited about an idea – they get people to follow them: “Come on let’s go!” And great leaders manage the available resources, accomplishing things on time and within budget, to ultimately fulfill their vision.

Take a few minutes to assess what your strengths are as a manager: Do you know what is expected of you? Do you know where to get the resources? Do you know how to plan and assess for success? What do you need to be the best manager you can be?

Now determine your strengths as a leader. Where are your growth opportunities? 

By developing both great management skills and great leadership skills, you are preparing yourself for success. 

Want to learn more about tools for overcoming challenges many new managers face? Check out my development training workshops for new managers or contact me to learn more about what Effectiveness Consultants can do for you and your team.