The Cconcept Of Managing Leaders

The Concept of Managing Leaders 1

The Concept of Managing Leaders

Suzanne Ryan

MGT 330

Dr. Walter McCollum

April 17, 2004

The Concept of Managing Leaders 2

"Management is the efficiency in climbing the ladder of success. Leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall." (Covey, ND) There are few people who want to be a manager without leadership abilities and conversely, few leaders who want to lead without management capabilities. The information provided within the Management 330 Course has created a distinction of skills and character traits treating the roles of manager and leader are two completely separate concepts. Most businesses are of similar opinion regarding the functions of managers verses leaders. This distinction is reflected in the training offered to the working adult interested in furthering both management and leadership skills. After reviewing several training manuals, the approach to these two roles appears to conceptualize each as unique and distinct entities. Most courses offered address project management or leadership development but do not incorporate the two. In fact these concepts, in theory, seem to have somewhat opposing perspectives. The following paper examines each subject individually but ultimately focuses on how uniting these two roles may improve an organization.

By definition, "management is the process of getting activities completed efficiently and effectively with and through other people." (www.google.com) Management is planning, organizing, leading and controlling a business environment. Leadership, defined, is "the process of influencing people while operating to meet organizational requirements and improving the organization through change." (www.leader-values.com) Leaders are viewed as innovative, inspired, original and challenging the status quo,. It is often assumed that leaders must be managed and is demonstrated in the following quote by Stephen R. Covey "Managers work int eh system.

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Leaders work on the system." Managers are often not seen as leaders but as administrators.

To begin, we must first examine how managers differ from leaders. Managers do not differ based on personality or style. Conversely, leaders are not just more lively or charismatic managers. In addition, any manager can lead by creating a new plan or direction. Both occupations are hinged upon influencing and motivating people as the key to success. In either profession, a positive attitude is essential. Keeping in mind that management is a role not an action, employees can be influenced by quiet conviction or enthusiastic presence. Moreover, one can lead regardless of his or her job title, particularly if new directions are compelling to individuals, either subjectively or by presentation.

Thus far, this document had differentiated between Managers and Leaders. Periodically, students within the Management Theories and Practices class have been asked is good managers make good leaders and vice versa. Take just a moment to consider an innovative concept. The notion is a Managing Leader. Within an organization,