Enlightened leaders and exceptional managers needn’t occupy separate roles. In fact, according to retired Canadian Armed Forces brigadier-general Julian Chapman, in today’s business climate you need the best of both worlds. Leadership traditionally is considered more dynamic and glamorous, yet management is equally important and worthy of respect. Managerial leadership calls for positively influencing others while achieving your goals. But Chapman, who has also run a company, warns that if you don’t like making decisions or telling people what to do, you’re better off as an individual contributor. His brand of leadership and management is not for the faint of heart.
Organizations need strong leadership and good management to achieve excellence.
People commonly use the terms “leadership” and “management” interchangeably, even though they grant more prestige to leadership. Though the two are distinctly different, you need elements of both to succeed. Leaders inspire employees and enable them to maximize their potential.Managers operate more behind the scenes, focusing on organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Leadership is people-oriented; management, task-oriented.
Managerial leadership combines both competencies so you’re working toward your goals while positively influencing others – a delicate balancing act. Too much emphasis on management – getting things done – can burn people out.Trying to motivate and please everyone can interfere with attaining your objectives and fulfilling your obligations to your organization.Effective managerial leaders acknowledge the competing interests that always exist “in the realm of tasks and people.”
Managerial leadership can be an important step in your professional evolution. Over the years, you’ve succeeded in your...
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