Only a few years ago, the business world used the terms leadership and management interchangeably. Today, however, we have recognized a significant difference between the two.

Management is focused on developing and maintaining systems and processes, while leadership is designed to motivate and mobilize people. When managing people, we often turn to policies and rules to direct or correct them. There can be a tendency to treat everyone equally instead of using good judgment.

Leaders who lead people use personal connections within the team to guide everyone toward success. They listen and offer feedback. Effective leaders understand that standards and expectations bring more out of people than rules and regulations.

Lest I be misunderstood, I am not saying one is superior to the other. Management is a great tool for managing processes but a terrible way to interact with people. Leaders must manage budgets, schedules, the to-do list, and balance sheets, not people.

We must remember that humans are not static like a balance sheet; instead, they grow and change. People have desires; they make choices, and need the human connection. Tom Peters, a business and leadership expert, said, “There is no substitute for the personal touch.”

What people want from their leader and not their manager is the following:

  • People want to be treated with respect.
  • People want to be praised and appreciated.
  • People want to be inspired.
  • People want to be reminded of the Vision and Mission.

Reflection—do you manage more or lead more? What steps do you need to take to lead more?