Leadership and Management can be seen as having many similarities. Sometimes it can be hard to differentiate between the two of them when you consider how close they are together. Leadership can be defined as “ a clear implication that leadership not part of the job but a quality that can be brought to a job… The work that leadership encompasses in the context clearly is not assigned but comes about spontaneously” – Belbin, R. M. Changing the way we work, Butterworth- Heinemann (1997) p.90. This differs from management which can be described as “getting things done through other people in order to achieve stated organisational objectives”. (Mullins 2010)
The Managerial/ Leadership Grid by Blake and Mouton is used as a means of evaluating different styles of management. Two principle dimensions are the key of the grid:
Concerns for production – This is the amount of emphasis the manager puts on accomplishing the tasks in hand, achieving a high level of success and getting the results or profits. This is the horizontal axis of the Grid.
Concern for people – This is the amount of emphasis the manager gives to staff and colleagues as individuals and to their needs and expectations. This is the vertical axis of the grid.
Working in Lloyds TSB in Cardiff for a few weeks allowed me the opportunity to work under a manager which I would place at (9,9) on the managerial/leadership grid. This is also known as “The Team Manager”, this person has a high concern for production and a high concern for people. They hold a great belief in creating a situation where people can satisfy their own needs by commitment to the objectives of the organisation.
“After campaigning on a platform of hope and change that inspired a nation, Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the U.S. and the first African American to hold the position. Shackled with the "inbox from hell," he has weathered both criticism and praise with grace and calm. In another historic moment, on Dec. 13, 2009, President Obama became only the third sitting U.S. President to receive the Nobel Peace Prize—this while managing two wars” - http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/12/1222_inspirational_leaders/11.htm
This articles summaries just some of the achievements that Barack Obama has which makes him a good leader. Not only can he take criticism but he also does good for people and leads America in a new way. Opening the eyes to people who never thought he could achieve the Presidency, Barack Obama has gone on to achieve many goals.
To conclude, leadership is about more than managing people and directing them. It's about giving them the support they need to grow and develop within themselves and the Business. Inspiration can be drawn from a leader and this can create a new and positive atmosphere.
Referencing :
Belbin, R. M. Changing the way we work, Butterworth- Heinemann (1997)
L. J. Mullins Management & Organisational Behaviour (2010) 9th Edition.
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