Are You a Great Boss? Balancing Leadership and Management Makes All the Difference

"Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall." - Stephen Covey

This quote captures a crucial truth about being a boss—leadership and management are two sides of the same coin, yet they serve different purposes. To truly excel, it’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about understanding when to lean on each skill set.

In this article, we’ll explore the unique roles of leadership and management, when each shines, and how knowing the difference can take you from being a good boss to a truly great one.

1. Leadership vs. Management: Two Different Skill Sets

Leadership: Doing the Right Thing

• Vision Setting: Leaders create the vision for where the company or team is headed. They’re the ones who make sure that ladder is up against the right wall, so the climb means something.
• Inspiration and Guidance: A leader motivates the team, giving them a sense of purpose and direction beyond day-to-day tasks.
• Big Picture Focus: Leaders see beyond the immediate tasks—they act with the greater good of the company in mind, sharing a compelling purpose that aligns everyone.

Management: Doing Things Right

• Execution and Efficiency: Managers make sure that the climb is efficient, with each step being taken correctly and on time. They translate the vision into clear, actionable steps.
• Setting Expectations and Monitoring Progress: Managers keep expectations clear ensuring every team member knows what is expected and by when. They set goals, establish measurable outcomes, and follow up.
• Problem Solving and Feedback: Managers are excellent at solving problems, maintaining consistency, and giving timely feedback—both constructive and encouraging—so the team stays aligned.

2. When Leadership Shines: The Importance of Direction and Inspiration

Leadership skills come to the forefront when:

• The Path Forward is Uncertain: Leaders thrive in ambiguity, providing clarity and confidence when others might feel lost.
• Motivation is Key: When morale is low or when a project needs momentum, leaders are the ones who rekindle passion and excitement, helping teams feel inspired by the broader mission.
• Aligning Teams to a Vision: Leaders make sure everyone understands why their work matters and how it contributes to the overall success of the organization.

3. When Management Shines: The Power of Execution and Accountability

Management skills are crucial when:

• Executing a Plan: Once the vision is clear, management takes over to implement it effectively. Managers map out the steps, set timelines, and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.
• Maintaining Consistency: Managers thrive when it comes to maintaining consistency and quality, making sure processes are adhered to and objectives are met on time.
• Providing Constructive Feedback: Managers are focused on individual growth through ongoing feedback. They ensure every team member knows what’s working well and where there’s room for improvement, keeping the entire operation running smoothly.

4. The Great Boss Formula: Knowing When to Lead and When to Manage

What separates a good boss from a great boss is not just the ability to lead or manage—it's knowing when to do each. The best bosses:

• Balance Inspiration and Accountability: They know when to inspire their team towards a shared vision (leadership) and when to dive into the weeds to ensure the right steps are being taken efficiently (management).
• Read the Room: Great bosses can read situations and decide whether their team needs guidance or whether it needs clear action steps and follow-up.
• Foster an Environment of Accountability: By combining leadership and management, they create a culture where accountability thrives—people understand both the why and the how, and they feel supported at every step.

The journey from being a good boss to a great boss requires mastering both leadership and management. It’s about knowing when to put on your visionary hat and when to roll up your sleeves and manage the details. Great bosses seamlessly switch between these roles, using leadership to set the course and management to navigate it effectively. The good news? Anybody can learn and it is never too late.

Want to learn more about how to hone both sets of skills and become a truly great boss? Join us for the Great Boss Workshop on December 23rd (sign up here!) and take your leadership and management skills to the next level.