Management vs. Leadership – how they differ and why it matters to your career

Leadership and management are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually describe two different skill sets. Good managers don’t necessarily have to be great leaders and some leaders may never earn the title of manager.

Whether you’re seeking new career opportunities, or are looking for advancement in your current position, knowing the differences between a management and leadership role can help you develop the right skills for the career you want.

So, what is the difference between management and leadership?

According to Dustin Moskovitz, co-founder of global HR firm Asana:

“Management is operational; it’s about setting priorities, evaluating priorities, etc. A leader is more of a coach, responsible for maintaining energy, keeping everyone inspired and helping them grow, and ensuring everyone is aligned in the same direction. A leader must be a point of strength and stability across changes.”¹

Both leadership and management skills are in-demand

Based on a study of online job vacancies, the top three skill groups employers look for are business management, leadership and oral communication.² Employers and HR professionals usually have a shortlist of skills to help them determine if you’ll be best suited for a management or leadership role. Learning the specific skills required for each role can help you advance your career.

Key management skills and qualities:

1. Organization and planning

Being a good manager means excellent project management, which requires organization and planning to help give your team insight and support as they make their way through projects and deadlines.

2. Problem-solving

As a manager, problem-solving skills can mean managing team members effectively, as well as unblocking any tasks that could prevent members from doing their best work.

3. Team building

Good managers focus on teamwork to ensure team members can collaborate and work together.

4. Communication

Managers need to communicate well to ensure team members understand tasks, projects and deadlines. They need to be active listeners to ensure all members feel valued and motivated to contribute.

5. Delegation

A good manager knows how to choose the best person for a job while offering support, feedback and praise.

Key leadership skills and qualities:

1. Vision

A leader has a clear vision of their objectives, where they are and where they want to go.

2. Creativity

Leaders are not afraid of thinking outside the box and using their creativity to find solutions. They also nurture creativity in others to benefit their team and organization.

3. Problem-solving

Like a good manager, a leader must have excellent problem-solving skills at both conceptual and strategic levels to identify obstacles and support their organization’s goals.

4. Risk-taking

Leaders are risk-takers and can urge others to do the same to drive positive change in their industry.

5. Communication

A good leader inspires change by empowering those around them to work toward common objectives. Having effective communication skills allows a leader to gain trust, motivate and align efforts to obtain goals.

A successful business needs both managers and leaders. Now’s the time to acquire the skills and credentials to prove you’re the best candidate for a new job or promotion.

Can you learn management and leadership skills?

Yes, you certainly can! By doing so, you can prepare yourself for career advancement.

One of the very best ways to develop and strengthen your leadership and management skills is to stay curious and become a lifelong learner. Taking an online course, workshop, or pursuing a certificate or diploma from an accredited higher education institution will help you learn from experts and gain in-demand skills needed to be a good manager and leader.

You can advance your skills by:

 Identifying and playing on your strengths, while working on any opportunities for improvement. If you’re aspiring to become a great manager, gaining more administration credentials, as well as effective communication and problem-solving skills will come in handy.

Some great options to explore are Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Project Management, Creative, Critical & Design Thinking or Intercultural Competency

 Practicing. Good managers and leading team players are critical for a collaborative and successful workplace.

You can put your skills into practice by taking online workshops such as Fundamental Career Development Tools, Ed2Go, UGotClass or Essentials.

 Learning to listen actively, think critically and generously offer feedback.

Do you have the people and professional skills you need to succeed? Check out Essentials workshops to gain these critical skills for success.

So, whether you’re aspiring to be a leader or a manager, assessing your strengths, reviewing your existing skillset and understanding where you need to grow will help define your career potential.

Learn more:

Get down to business
Pursue Human Resources Management
Work towards a Project Management Professional designation
Change the way you think with Creative, Critical & Design Thinking
Learn to successfully build, manage and work in diverse and inclusive teams
The right tools to build a successful career
Stay ahead in today’s fast-paced job market with Ed2Go and UGotClass
Skills for success: The Essentials

1 Wavelength

2 OECDiLibrary: Skills of the Canadian Workforce