Why Leadership and Management are Qualities that Matter

If you're one of countless professionals who think that leadership and management are one (and the same), then you don't have to be defensive if you’re told that you’re mistaken about it. This has nothing to do with the current political climate. As a matter of fact, historians would argue that Winston Churchill wasn't a beloved figure because he made bureaucracy functioned (during his term as prime minister). There was no doubt about his leadership, which happened at the most challenging period in British history. Director Joe Wright did a great job in highlighting that trait in "Darkest Hour", but you might be one of the countless people who haven't seen Gary Oldman's Oscar-winning performance (as Churchill) on the big screen. You don't have to worry about it, as the subject would be leadership and management.

Leadership and management overlap each other, as one would be useless without the other. This shouldn't be the case in an office environment, where good leaders are needed to keep the company functioning. After all, it would be impossible to hit a quarter's numbers without planning, staffing, and budgeting. Management should be needed when there's a need to talk about clarifying jobs, measuring performances, and problem solving. If you're still in the dark, then the next part should dispel any doubts.

A Few Questions to Know If a Company Tick

Can a company strike a balance between leadership and management? The answer to the question is simple, yet there are factors to consider. If there's no need for an overhaul, then management is on top. Leadership is about change, which might remind you of Arthurian tales (and possibly the trailer of "The Kid Who Would Be King"). If this may seem like an enigma, then it is. A good leader inspires others, also motivates them to go to a certain direction. It can be a call for change if there's dissatisfaction, also how a (professional) environment is causing a negative impact on the performance of employees. This can result to a clash with management (or how they perceive a company to operate smoothly). Can the environment play a part? Does the past has something to do with it? What happens to a set-up involving professionals from different backgrounds (or nationalities)? The answers to the questions can be very interesting, if not contentious at some point. Perhaps the next question can settle it.

When is leadership more essential? Social media may indicate that it should be time to press the panic button, as the next election will be held next year. Then again, some might wonder if divisiveness should be good enough to take action. Critics would point out there won't be any need as long as America is on top. Alas, not all companies can be on the same place. (Top billing it is.) It can be more complicated in an office environment, as management might see it fit to keep a pool of young employees, where most are doing start ups. And it can go on for years. It hardly matters if the lack of leader could lead to different departments with different visions of what the company should be doing. This could be the scenario whether there are a hundred employees (more or less). Budget should play a huge part here, as leadership does involve a leap of faith. If you're getting confused about it, then don't. This is where leadership and management overlap at some point. Next question.

Is it a mistake to think that you're only managing a team? The answer to the question is another question: Is it a mistake to think that you're only leading a team? Even senior professionals can't draw the line here. It shouldn't be a surprise that hiring must include a qualification test of sort. The London-based Chartered Management Institute would do such a thing, and the results were encouraging to mangers and leaders alike. An awareness should lead to an increase in productivity. There would be certain times when (good) management and leadership should be practiced. It may be impossible especially in such a set-up where the top people seem resistant to change. Keep in mind that it's all about business, which can simplify (or complicate) matter. The outcome may be far from ideal, but It should be a huge mistake if nothing could be done about it.

Demystifying Management and Leadership

The questions and answers should make you wonder if media is romanticizing Steve Jobs. (If you haven’t seen Danny Boyle’s depiction of Jobs on the big screen, then you’re not too late to think about it. There are other resources to help you make up your mind.) It’s a reminder that not all are born to be good managers and good leaders. It doesn’t restrict to a few as well. Environment does play a part, which Ira Levin fans would agree wholeheartedly. If college would teach you that communication should spell success (or failure), then a company would look for people who can lead the way in teamwork exercises. It sounds more confusing, but there’s more to follow. There’s no question, at this very point, that management and leadership matter.