What is leadership?
This is essential for any business. The ability to influence and guide members of a team successfully can help attain great performance and productivity which helps a business thrive and reach their goals.
This is usually tied to an individual’s ranking, title and tenure which can be developed and improved overtime with the right resources.
Most leaders are seen as people who make solutions and make difficult decisions. They are expected to be clear, establish achievable goals and provide knowledge to reach a target. An effective leader should have self-confidence, strong communication and management skills, innovative thinking, will to take risks and reactiveness in times of difficult situations in the workplace.
What is management?
When we talk about this, we’re talking about the processes of coordinating and directing resources like money, materials and people to reach a specific goal. Like being a conductor of an orchestra, you are responsible for bringing harmony with all different instruments to create something beautiful.
Management involves overseeing different parts of a business just like finance, marketing, operations and human resources. This also makes sure a company is running smoothly and efficiently and everyone in the team is working hard to reaching the same objectives. In a nutshell, this is about getting things done through people and make sure that everything and everyone is like a well-oiled machine.
What is the difference between management and leadership?
Management is more about controlling and organising resources to meet company standards and goals while leadership is more about motivating and inspiring people to achieve those said goals.
Managers focus on things like allocating resources, schedules and makes sure everyone is following procedures while leaders focus on things like setting an example, a vision and inspiring others to create and build relationships in the workplace.
Of course, those two are not entirely different. A great leader can also be a great manager and vice versa. Does that make sense?
Understanding management techniques
Managers use all kinds of strategies to create a productive and positive team environment to help employees and the company achieve their goals. This helps managers guide and supervise their team to make sure everyone is doing their part in the best way they know.
Factors that determine management styles include:
- Temperaments of team members
- Employee strength
- Employee expertise
- The industry
- Aims of a particular project and production goals
- The company’s culture
Styles of leadership
1. Autocratic
This is a style of leadership where leaders make decisions alone without asking input from others. They always want full control and be in authority. Some leaders use this style when making tough decisions in times of crisis.
2. Laissez-faire
This is a style of leadership where leaders offer little supervision and allows employees to make most decisions on their own. This helps experienced employees to feel more satisfied and free to be creative but is a downside to new hires who are struggling and leads to poor performance and productivity.
3. Participative
This is a style of leadership where leaders will somewhat run a democracy among the team. Inputs are taken into consideration but final decisions still depend on the leader. Leaders use this style when valuable insights are needed in a certain situation. This does benefit employees to feel more trusted and free to express themselves.
4. Transactional
This is a style of leadership where leaders and their team set fixed goals with each other. This creates leaders to provide rewards, incentives and even reprimand employees for either succeeding or failing to reach those goals. Leaders use this when teams do well when they are motivated and offered incentives for performance. This benefits employees to feel compensated for their hard work. However, this makes it challenging for leaders as this needs a larger focus on individual performance which does not always mean employees are working hard.
5. Transformational
This is a style of leadership where leaders and their team have one goal. Leaders use this when the goal needs to be met by the entire team or even the entire company. This benefits employees to feel important and comfortable working with leaders to accomplish the same goal. This helps strengthen a team’s relationship and develop teamwork. However, this may lead to possible micromanaging.
Key management techniques
1. Communicate clearly
In any successful team, good communication is a priority. When everyone knows what the goals are, what their responsibilities are and how their work fits together as a team, they create a successful and effective team.
2. Lead by example
A team is not effective if their leader or manager is being lazy and not leading by example. You cannot expect a team to work and be committed if you are not doing the same thing. Try to be a role model for them and show resilience and proper work behaviour and they are to follow your foot steps in the long run.
3. Encourage feedback
Regularly ask your team for feedback on how they see their team and your leadership skills. This can be a learning and growth opportunity for everyone involved. This can also help identify any underlying issues and problems that need to be addressed and make improvements together as a team.
4. Be flexible
Of course, things do not go according to plan and that’s totally fine. As managers, be willing to adapt to changes and be open to new ideas and procedures.
5. Empower your team
Provide your team the right resources and tools they need to do better in their job and trust them to get it done at their own pace and way. Inspire and give them a reason to be motivated to perform better in the workplace. This shows encourage and empowering each individual that is part of the team.
6. Celebrate success
One sure fire way to show appreciation for your employees is to celebrate success. When your team reaches a goal, make sure to acknowledge and celebrate their wins. This helps encouragement and build morale and that you appreciate their hard work and efforts.
Further reading and resources:
If you are looking for an overview of different
leadership types or styles, the traits of effective leaders and other ideas for
personal development of your own leadership skills. https://hbr.org/topic/leadership
Investpedia has an article on the role of a manager and the
different types of managers. Also the key list of skills needed for great management.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/management.asp
Forbes also wrote an article regarding the difference between
leadership and management Both are important for success but find out why here.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamcraig/2018/04/03/the-difference-between-leadership-and-management/?sh=2a66f3e93b24
MindTools provides an article on “Management Styles” It explains
the benefits and the negatives of each and how to choose the best style to lead
your team. https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newSTR_91.htm
David Alssema is a Body Language Expert and Motivational Speaker. As a performer in the personal development industry in Australia he has introduced and created new ways to inspire, motivate and develop individuals.
David Alssema started his training career with companies such as Telstra and Optus Communications, and then developed Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) within workplace training as principal of Paramount Training & Development.
As an author/media consultant on body language and professional development David has influenced workplaces across Australia. He contributes to Media such as The West Australian, ABC Radio, Australian Magazines and other Australia Media Sources.