Since arriving at UHM, I have had a tremendous opportunity to learn and grow my leadership skills. These opportunities have come in many shapes and forms. One such opportunity has been sessions with our CEO, Bill Cosgrove. In one of these sessions, he discussed that the idea of leadership is well discussed and is the "popular" topic of discussion today. However, it is important to also focus on management. At the time, I struggled to compartmentalize those two ideas. Much of the content out today suggests that management is a "negative" term and insinuates negative work environments and cultures. However, after some reflection I realize that they are equally important.
What's the difference?
Books, videos, and articles on leadership are nearly a "dime a dozen" these days. Doing a quick search will likely yield millions of pieces of content on the subject. There is great value in the concepts and topics discussed, many of which have helped shape the most successful organizations today. This content largely focuses on the concept that anyone can step up and act as a leader, regardless of their title of position. Being a leader is a mindset and approach more than anything else. When I look at these concepts, I see them as the "strategic" thoughts and actions that position the leader and the organization for success.
In reality, management is all of the tasks and tactics required to successfully manage a team.
Management is an often vilified term, which is positioned as a toxic manager/managee relationship. One of the key differences between management and leadership is you more often need to hold a position in which the direct management of people is involved (though there may be some instances where this doesn't hold true). In reality, management is all of the tasks and tactics required to successfully manage a team. Some examples of this would be the creation of goals, managing timecards, running team meetings, and determining product roadmaps. I look at these as the "tactical" thoughts and actions required to lead a team and organization.
Why does it matter?
By reframing these concepts as strategic and tactical thinking, there is room for both to exist and provides a better picture of how a manager within an organization should frame their time. Both strategic and tactical thinking are extremely important and are necessary for a leader to achieve success. It's great to demonstrate the skills and approaches you would like your team to convey, but success will not be achieved unless there are tactical goals and conversations behind them. Utilizing one to ones and documented goals, in conjunction with demonstrating and encouraging your team will lead to a far greater probability of success.
While management isn't the "sexy" word of the day, the tactical approach this word embodies is crucial for success.