Discussion Question:
From your assigned readings and outside research on the topic, consider the difference between a “manager” and a “leader.” What do you feel are the three biggest differences? What is the benefit and disadvantage of a manager, and what is the benefit and disadvantage of a leader?
Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.
Assignment Description
Leadership and Managing
This week you reflected upon the difference between a “manager” and a “leader” and discussed this concept with your classmates and professor in the discussion board. In a written essay please answer the following questions:
- What are the differences between leaders and managers? What characteristics are similar and what are different?
- Provide a total of three examples. First, of someone who has great managerial skills. Second, another individual with great leadership skills. Third, another person with poor managerial skills. These can be made up individuals or examples you have seen without any identifying information. Discuss how the staff of each individual would be affected by the skills of the leader/manager.
- Complete the Emotional Intelligence Test Discuss your scores and what they mean. What did you learn about yourself as a leader? (Note that a 10 on the EI test means strong. On the score page, click on the blue “here” under “interpreting your GEIT scores, click here” for more information on each section and what it means.
Assignment Expectations:
Length: 1500 to 2000 words total (at least 500 words per question prompt)
Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment. Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.
References: Use appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of three (3) scholarly sources are required for this assignment.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Leadership and management are two significant terms that are often used interchangeably. However, these are two distinct concepts that carry different meanings and responsibilities. A leader is an individual who helps others to achieve common objectives, whereas a manager is someone who manages others to achieve a common goal. This paper weighs the differences between leadership and management in healthcare organizations, including the advantages and disadvantages of both styles.
Answer:
Three biggest differences between leadership and management are as follows:
1. Purpose: The primary purpose of leadership is to inspire and encourage people to achieve common goals by providing direction and clear vision. On the other hand, the primary purpose of management is to organize and control resources to achieve organizational goals.
2. Focus: Leaders often focus on the big picture and the long-term objectives of the organization, while managers focus on the short-term objectives and day-to-day tasks.
3. Approach: Leaders tend to be transformational, meaning they inspire and motivate others, while managers tend to be transactional, meaning they provide rewards and punishments for performance.
The Benefit and Disadvantage of a Manager:
One benefit of management is that it provides a sense of order and stability in the organization. Managers establish clear procedures, policies, and standard operating procedures that enable the organization to run smoothly. However, one major disadvantage of management is that it can lead to a lack of innovation, creativity, and flexibility. Managers tend to focus on maintaining the status quo, and they may be resistant to change, which can hinder the organization’s growth and development.
The Benefit and Disadvantage of a Leader:
One major advantage of leadership is that it inspires and motivates individuals to achieve common goals by fostering creativity and promoting a positive work environment. Leaders focus on influencing their followers by setting an example, building trust, and nurturing relationships. However, one major disadvantage of leadership is that it can be overly idealistic, and leaders may struggle to balance the demands of stakeholders with ethical considerations.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, leadership and management are two vital components of healthcare organizations. Leadership inspires and motivates individuals to achieve common goals, while management provides a sense of order and stability. When both styles are employed correctly, they can lead to a thriving healthcare organization. However, managers must be careful not to stifle creativity and innovation, while leaders must avoid being too idealistic and unable to meet the demands of stakeholders.
