How the concepts of leadership and management differ from each other?

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How the concepts of leadership and management differ from each other?

Leadership : Leadership means “the ability of an individual to influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of the organizations of which they are members.” Are often called brilliant and mercurial, with great charisma. Yet, they are also often seen as loners and private people. They are comfortable taking risks, sometimes seemingly wild and crazy risks. Almost all leaders have high levels of imagination

Management: Management comprises directing and controlling a group of one or more people or entities for the purpose of coordinating and harmonizing that group towards accomplishing a goal. Tend to be rational, under control problem solvers. They often focus on goals, structures, personnel, and availability of resources. Managers’ personalities lean toward persistence, strong will, analysis, and intelligence.

Nurse Leader

A leader often doesn’t have delegated authority. The “power” that the leader has acquired has come informally from others in the group. Leaders focus on empowering others, as well as motivating, inspiring, and influencing others (Cherry & Jacob, 2016).

A leader typically has good nursing communication and interpersonal skills. True leaders must be sincere and energetic. A leader may be a risk-taker, but not to the extent that others feel that they are reckless.

Nurse Manager

A manager is provided with this status as a formal role which is given to him/her by someone else. He/she has an assigned position within the formal organization. A manager is expected to carry out specific duties and has definite responsibilities. Control over processes, decision-making, and the work of others are included in the manager’s role.

In what areas do they overlap? Explain how the goals of management and leadership may sometimes overlap. 

Although differences do exist, the roles can definitely overlap. The best case scenario is for an individual to have the best characteristics of both. All nurses are leaders and managers at some level. We all strive for a balance between doing the right thing and doing things right. The rapid and dramatic changes in health care make these skills more important than ever. Critical thinking skills, active listening skills, and good coping skills are essential at all levels in today’s nursing workforce.

As a nurse leader, do you believe you can expand your influence to create change by taking advantage of this overlap? 

Both leaders and managers need to envision the future and lead the way towards a productive and efficient unit with satisfied personnel. We can never stop seeking additional professional growth and opportunities to make a difference in our profession. There are many ways to accomplish this, including becoming politically aware and active, reading professional journals, and attending continuing education offerings relevant to our practice (Cherry & Jacob, 2016).  No formal title of manager is required to do these things. A good nursing leader and manager will take advantage of these and other opportunities.

Reference

Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2016). Contemporary nursing: Issues, trends, & management. Elsevier Health Sciences.