We often talk of management and leadership as if they are the same thing. But are they… no they are quite different .The two are related, but their central functions are different. Managers provide leadership, and leaders perform management functions. But managers don't perform the unique functions of leaders.

Here are some key differences:

· A manager takes care of where you are; a leader takes you to a new place.

· A manager deals with complexity; a leader deals with uncertainty.

· A manager is concerned with finding the facts; a leader makes decisions.

· A manager is concerned with doing things right; a leader is concerned with doing the right things.

· A manager's critical concern is efficiency; a leader focuses on effectiveness.

· A manager creates policies; a leader establishes principles.

· A manager sees and hears what is going on; a leader hears when there is no sound and sees when there is no light.

· A manager finds answers and solutions; a leader formulates the questions and identifies the problems.

· A manager looks for similarities between current and previous problems; a leader looks for differences.

· A manager thinks that a successful solution to a management problem can be used again; a leader wonders whether the problem in a new environment might require a different solution.

Multiple functions, limited resources and conflicting demands for time and resources, require management. It involves setting priorities, establishing processes, overseeing the execution of tasks and measuring progress against expectations. Management is focused on the short term, ensuring that resources are expended and progress is made within time frames of days, weeks and months. Leadership, which deals with uncertainty, is focused on the long term. The effects of a policy decision to invest in staff development, for example, might never be objectively determined or, at best, might only be seen after many years.

Management involves looking at the facts and assessing status, which can be aided by technical tools, such as spreadsheets, PERT (program evaluation and review technique) charts, and the like. Leadership involves looking at inadequate or nonexistent information and then making a decision. Leaders must have the courage to act and the humility to listen. They must be open to new data, but at some point act with the data available.

Management's concern with efficiency means doing things right to conserve resources. Leadership is focused on effectiveness - doing the right thing. For example, the military must manage its resources well to maximize efficiency. But in waging war, the military's critical responsibility is to be effective and win the war regardless of the resources required. Getting a bargain does not reflect effective leadership if it means losing the war. Good management is important, but good leadership is essential.