Leadership versus Management

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Is every good manager a good leader? Is every leader a good manager? Leadership and management are often used in similar perspectives, yet they do not share the same meaning. Leaders are exactly what the name says - they lead team members to success. Managers, like leaders, have the meaning referenced in the name. Managers manage over employees, striving for success. The two titles can be used simultaneously with one person, but this is a rare occurrence.

According to MSN Encarta Dictionary, the term manage has several meanings. One of the explanations state that to manage is to “administer or run something - to be in charge…and be responsible for its smooth running and for any personnel” (Encarta, 2008). MSN Encarta Dictionary also shows the meaning for a leader. The first definition states that a leader is “somebody whom people follow - someone who guides and directs others” (Encarta, 2008). These two definitions are similar, but differ slightly. A leader nurtures and guides the employees. A leader helps them on the way to success. A manager is one who is in charge and is ultimately responsible for the outcome.

A manager’s first responsibility is the outcome of a task. This outcome is detailed by rules and regulations. The manager must ensure that employees are adhering to company policies in order to be successful with the task. This task may be one that the manager is personally handling or one that has been delegated to subordinates. The manager is held responsible for the completion of the tasks regardless of the quantity. Sometimes, the manager completes the tasks personally, while other times require the manager to assign tasks to certain employees. Either way, the final results need to be successful. ...

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Encarta. (2008). Manage. Retrieved August 17, 2008 from http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861628098/manage.html

Kotelnikov, V. (Dec-Jan 2008). Manager's skill sets.(MANAGEMENT)(managerial leadership and coaching). Today's Manager, p.27 (1). Retrieved August 18, 2008, from Academic OneFile via Gale: http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS

Teik, T. C. (Dec-Jan 2008). Ideal bosses are scarce: in moments of frustration at work, we wish we had a better boss. We admire our friends who are fortunate to have cordial and understanding bosses. What are the characteristics of an ideal boss? Ideal bosses are normally found in ideal companies--firms that you are proud to work for. (MANAGEMENT). Today's Manager, p.11 (3). Retrieved August 18, 2008, from Academic OneFile via Gale: http://find.galegroup.com/ips/start.do?prodId=IPS

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