2.3. Difference between Leadership and Management 

It is important to know the distinction between management and leadership. Management typically revolves around overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, and achieving organizational goals through functions such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling resources. Managers focus on tasks, processes, and systems to ensure the smooth functioning of the operation. On the other hand, leadership involves inspiring, motivating, and guiding teams towards a shared vision or goal. Leaders set direction, foster innovation, and cultivate a positive organizational culture through functions such as influencing, inspiring, empowering, and developing individuals and teams. They prioritize people, relationships, and values, earning influence through personal qualities, expertise, and the ability to inspire others. While management focuses on execution and control, leadership emphasizes inspiration and influence, with both playing crucial roles in the success of teams and organizations. ​(Payne-Palacio, 2015)​

Management and leadership are essential and complementary skill sets that enhance workplace value, often required together in various roles. Managers typically hold specific titles (such as financial manager or regional manager) or formal positions, whereas leaders can emerge at any level within an organization and in network settings. Table 1 includes additional differences.  ​(Grim & Roberts, 2023)​