Organisations need both leaders and managers, as the roles have different approaches to authority.
“It is important for organisations to understand the difference between the two ... Both roles are important for the success of an organisation and by having the right individuals in the right roles, there is a balance between innovation and stability within the organisation,” says Ellené Pienaar-Carstens, operations manager at Bizmod Development.
She advises:
- Leaders motivate and inspire their teams to achieve a shared goal, while managers plan, organise and control resources to achieve specific goals;
- Leaders tend to be more innovative and forward-thinking, with managers more likely to be conservative and risk-averse;
- Leaders can make decisions quickly and adapt to changing circumstances, while managers are concerned about maintaining the status quo and ensuring tasks are completed on time and within budget; and
- Leadership can also be extended to the concept of servant leadership, where leaders are committed to serving the people they lead by helping them to develop and grow, rather than seeking personal gain or control. — Margaret Harris
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