“Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is
leaning against the right wall.”
— Stephen Covey
As we kick off a new week, I want to take a moment and acknowledge that the Cultureproof Podcast is OFFICIALLY LIVE
and the first release was on this very topic.
You can link to all of the major platforms from HERE!
(Spotify, Apple Podcast, and IHeart Radio)
We will drop new teaching once a month, with the occasional bonus episode to hit your inbox!
Be sure you like/subscribe/share to help spread the message!
If you share on social, be sure you tag me!
As a business owner or team leader, the distinction between managing and leading is one you must grasp in order to elevate your performance as a leader. While both leadership and management are vital to any organization, they represent different skills and serve different functions. The ability to differentiate and balance these two aspects can be the absolute game changer that propels your leadership!
So, what’s the difference between managing your team and leading them? And why does this even matter?
As I have been studying this very topic for the last several years, I’ve come to learn something about myself. Early on in my journey, I wanted to know everything going on at Atlas. I felt like if I didn’t, I wouldn’t have all the answers to the problems that would come my way. I thought that delegating was simply telling my team how everything should get done. What I came to realize as this method of “leading” about hit my breaking point, was that I was trying to be a leader that managed everything. Every task, every problem, every role, etc.!
One of the biggest differences between leadership and management is the focus of each role. A manager’s primary role is to control and direct processes, projects, and day-to-day tasks that make operations flow. They focus on the logistics: ensuring tasks are completed on time, and resources are allocated efficiently. A good manager excels at organizing, planning, and problem-solving within the boundaries of the system!
On the other hand, leadership is about people. A leader inspires, motivates, and guides their team to achieve more than they thought possible. Great leaders focus on the growth and development of individuals, creating a shared vision and fostering an environment where people feel empowered to contribute their best efforts every single day. A leader influences by earning trust, building relationships, and setting the example for others to follow
In a nutshell… Management is about executing and maintaining the structure. Leadership is about vision, influence, and inspiring action!
“Management is efficiency in operations, but leadership is efficiency in people.” — Tim Cook
Not all leaders make great managers! (did Sam just say what I think he said?) YEP! The skill set required for leadership doesn’t always translate perfectly into management. A charismatic, visionary leader may struggle with the fine details of organization and control. We may prefer to focus on motivating the team and setting the direction, while leaving the day-to-day operations to someone else. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!
For example, consider a leader who thrives at rallying up the team around a big vision and forward progression, but gets bogged down by operational details. This person may be a phenomenal motivator, but not the best at managing schedules or workflow. Rather than trying to force themselves into the manager role, they should recognize their strengths and focus on leading people while delegating managerial tasks to someone more equipped.
The takeaway? Not all great leaders make great managers—and that’s OK! Play to your strengths as a leader, and partner with EPIC managers who can bring structure to your vision.
When Great Managers Aren’t the Best Leaders (And That’s OK!)
Similarly, great managers don’t always excel as influential leaders. A manager may be exceptional at organizing tasks and ensuring projects are delivered with precision, but lack the charisma or emotional intelligence required to inspire their team.
This doesn’t mean they are ANY less valuable. Do NOT get that wrong or mixed up. A skilled manager can keep operations running smoothly. They play an essential role in maintaining the efficiency of an organization. While they may not always be the most inspiring figurehead, their ability to manage the details ensures the success of day-to-day operations.
It’s critical to acknowledge that great managers may not be great leaders. The key is to know when to lead and when to manage. Both roles are needed for your company’s success.
The Crucial Takeaway: Managing Things, Leading People!
At the heart of this teaching is a simple but powerful distinction: you manage things, but you lead people.
Managing is about making sure processes are followed, tasks are completed, and resources are optimized. Leading is about guiding, inspiring, and empowering people to reach their potential.
When you try to manage people like you would tasks or projects, you run into issues. People aren’t predictable systems—they have emotions, motivations, and unique skills. Leading them requires trust, empathy, and vision!
Similarly, when you try to lead without any management, you can end up with chaos. Trust me I know about that too. Vision without structure can leave your team lost or overwhelmed. That’s why successful organizations need both: skilled managers to keep the engine running and inspirational leaders to guide the journey.
I’ll tie a bow on this blog with this. As I reflect and come to terms on my own leadership, I’ve come to realize that the more I’ve worked hard to grow in my leadership, I’ve regressed as a manager! And guess what? That’s OK! Even in leading my household. Me and my wife have a very clear understanding of our God given gifts, talents, knowledge, skillset, and wisdom. I am the leader in our home, and she is the manager. You know one thing that we’ve noticed? Whenever we come out of our lanes, something goes wrong. I once booked a double date night with parents we are friends with, and never confirmed that we were or were not bringing the kids. We showed up to meet at our favorite nice restaurant with our kids, and there they were nicely dressed up for a fun adult evening, with NO KIDS! (oops)
Recognizing the difference between leading and managing can be a complete game changer for your leadership. It allows you to focus on your strengths while surrounding yourself with others who complement your weaknesses. By understanding that you don’t have to be great at both, you’ll free yourself from the pressure of trying to be everything to everyone.
If you’re a newer leader, and working to grow and build some layers in your business and org structure, your role may involve both management and leadership at times, but the more you can recognize when to shift between the two, the more effective you’ll become for growing. Learn to lead your people with inspiration and influence, and manage your processes with control and structure. Together, this balance will take your leadership – and your organization – to the next level.
You need both to run a successful team, but the true key to success is knowing when to lead when to manage, and how to balance the two.
Embrace the difference, and watch your leadership transform!