Are You a Manager or a Leader?

In recent years, a debate has emerged over the difference between management and leadership. Which is most important in our present climate? The discussion has not been confined to business but has become a topic of discussion in the church as well.

Peter Drucker said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right thing.” Frequently, this is the way in which management and leadership are addressed--in contrast with each other. In reality, the two approaches are both necessary and complementary. The challenge is deciding which am I using and which should I be using?

If you lead too much and ignore necessary standards, you risk chaos and little forward movement in your organization. In fact, your approach may be called into question by those to whom you are accountable.

On the other hand, if you manage too much, you can stifle morale by being authoritarian and being seen as a hard-nosed perfectionist. You alienate your team and make little progress.

One is not more important than the other and both styles are needed in an organization.