Leadership Versus Management - Andy Almendarez

Leadership versus Management - Andy Almendarez

In order for us to understand leadership and management we must first define both. However, this is not an easy task. Many leaders have their own definition of leadership. While leadership=s definition is broadly defined, management is very narrowly defined. To begin this paper I have chosen to give the definitions from Merriam-Webster=s Collegiate Dictionary. According to Webster there are four aspects to the definition of leadership. They all consist of an act or office in the terms of leadership. So we have another confusing definition to add to our many other definitions.

The best definition comes from Kenneth O. Gangel: Athe exercise of one=s spiritual gifts under the call of God to serve a certain group of people in achieving the goals God has given them toward the end of glorifying Christ.@ John Maxwell has given us two very distinct guides in his writings in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. In both of these books Maxwell tells us that Aeverything rises and falls on leadership.@

In all the research I did on this paper leadership as far as a Salvation Army officer is concerned once again goes back to the spiritual dimension. We must have many things as a leader. These include having vision, character, maturity, toughness and tenderness. In the scope of leadership there are born leaders and then there are those who can lead for a specific purpose and moment. Leaders can become leaders through training and growth. I believe that both types of leaders become whom God wants them to be through training and on the job training.

I also believe that the difference between leaders and managers is this, anyone can mange but few can be true leaders. I view this because in all the definitions I have read on management mangers are nothing more than maintainers or tenders. They are like the oar of a boat. As long as someone is steering the oar it guides the boat down the right path. Without guidance the boat travels in every direction and eventually becomes shipwrecked.

Webster=s definition of management is Ato conduct or supervise something.@ Management does play a role in leadership.