Management – Introduction

The terms management and leadership are often used interchangeably and managers are frequently assumed to be leaders. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The function of the manager, and therefore the definition of management, is to direct or supervise the resources under his or her charge to the accomplishment of managed group’s assigned work. This occurs through assigning individual tasks, allocating non-personnel resources, setting performance standards, monitoring performance, providing reinforcing and corrective feedback, and making ongoing adjustments as needed to ensure the on-time and on-budget completion of the managed group’s work.

Leaders are individuals of impeccable character, unquestioned integrity, and unwavering selflessness that endear followers and inspire trust. They possess a clear and vivid vision that they communicate to others who subsequently choose to support achievement of the vision. Leaders motivate and inspire followers to achieve more individually and collectively. Leadership is a quality of the person and not a right of the position – anyone can be a leader.

Therefore, while a manager can also be a leader, a manager is not necessarily a leader. Likewise, leaders do not necessarily hold management positions.

Articles in the Management category are dedicated to discussing the principles of successful management and leadership within the following topical areas:

• Communications
• Decision-Making
• Leadership Inspirations
• Management & Leadership
• Standards & Expectations

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