There's some individuals who believe that there is actually no difference whatsoever between management and leadership, mostly due to the fact that they are often explained in the same framework. There may be some correlations, but as they usually maintain different points of view and assume differing methods within an organisation or business, leadership and management should be viewed as separate, different things.

In the book "On Becoming a Leader," Warren Bennis compiled a list of his thoughts on the differences between managers and leaders. Below we look at 4 points from his list and expand on their meanings, so that we are able to establish the differences between them:

1. The manager imitates; the leader originates

As a leader's usually the person in charge of devising the general business plan of action that then filters through an organisation, they're usually the originator of an idea or a belief. A manager is then responsible for passing on those beliefs and ideas and actualising them into practical use through the company's employees. Therefore, they're imitating the leadership's original goals.

2. The manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people

While a manager focuses on delegating tasks and work to employees, their main concern is that the work gets done and is done accurately. In making sure that this work finished, a manager's involvement in people will mainly and primarily be on their skill level and capabilities. In the meantime, the leader will be paying attention to staff - especially the management team right below them - to ensure that the organisation runs as smoothly as possible.

3. The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust

A manager must be in control - it is fundamental to be in control of work and staff and as a result can sadly portray them in a bad light, i.e. it may not make them popular. The job for leaders is to inspire trust and encourage employees to have faith in their work and the company. A word of warning though: an untrustworthy manager can make a leader seem untrustworthy, and an untrustworthy leader can make a business or organisation appear untrustworthy as well.

4. The manager maintains; the leader develops

The company must be maintained and needs to function like an well-oiled, efficient machine - it is the responsibility of a manager. In comparison, leaders has to proceed to grow and develop a company. Managers then need to maintain and function based on the development and growth that comes their way.

With a number of the differences between management and leadership characterised above, management particularly is usually viewed in a more negative light than leadership. However, both leadership and management are important when working in unison:

Management without leadership: Well-managed staff and tasks, but minimal direction and opportunities may be missed. Leadership without management: Brilliant theory and ideas, but effective and proper implementation can be ignored.

Therefore, for a business to operate effectively and efficiently, it is majorly important that both leadership and management are exercised hand in hand, together, not just on their own, separately.