Leadership versus management, part I

One of the keys to being an effective leader is to understand the difference between leading and managing. The differences can be subtle, but profound. Experts have used many ways to explain the difference. Warren Bennis says that managers do things right, while leaders do the right things. Edgar Schein says that leaders build and change cultures, while managers sustain them.

Many professionals in planning and public affairs manage groups, projects and organizations. What's the difference between a professional who leads and one who manages? I hope this listing helps shed some light.

• Professionals who manage follow agendas and scopes of work.
• Professionals who lead make strategic choices that most effectively further goals and missions.
  
  
• Professionals who manage are cautious and worried.
• Professionals who lead are careful and thoughtful.
  
  
• Professionals who manage are scared that "someone is going to say something."
• Professionals who lead welcome the opportunity to hear different perspectives.
  
  
• Professionals who manage prepare plans and studies.
• Professionals who lead pursue positive growth and development using plans and studies.

• Professionals who manage avoid conflict and risk.
• Professionals who lead manage conflict and risk.
  
  
• Professionals who manage do things a certain way because "that's how it's done."
• Professionals who lead do things that will best achieve lasting results.