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| Leadership vs Management |
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by Swen L Mikesell, MHCA - August 11, 2010
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One of the biggest problems we have in not only health care, but in business in general, is the lack of leadership. Most of those who should be leading are, in fact, managing. In this document, I will discuss the differences between these two concepts.
The word “manage” comes from Italian word maneggiare which means to handle or control horses (Harper, Manage, 2009). Dictionaries define “to manage” as to handle or control. This definition clearly states the role of a manager. That role is to handle or control his department. He needs to control spending, supplies, equipment, and the workforce. Just like a person handles a horse, he uses the reins to give direction to the horse. He uses a whip, spurs, or his feet to urge the horse forward. The manager takes care of all the details. He makes sure the workers have the supplies and equipment needed and are on task. He solves the day to day problems which appear. He takes care of personnel issues. He makes sure his department is properly staffed. The resolution of these issues gives instant gratification. It is a rush to solve these problems. People can become addicted to the rush of fixing problems. This instant gratification is perhaps the leading reason “leaders” manage instead of lead.
"To lead" comes from the Old English word læden which means "cause to go with one (Harper, Lead, 2009)." This definition is the embodiment of leadership. The leader brings others along. The implications of this definition include such things as being in the forefront, having a starting point, and having a destination. A leader must have a vision (it is impossible to lead if one is not going anywhere). That vision needs to be express in such a way as to entice people to follow. If one is to lead, he must have the trust and respect of others. Without trust and respect, he can manage. A leader must resist the lure of dealing with the day to day issues which the managers should resolve. This is not so say he should avoid problems – he should only have to deal with those issues the managers are unable to resolve. His main duty is to show the way the organization should travel. He should set the goals and create the vision then allow others the freedom to achieve that goal.
To better demonstrate the difference between a manager and a leader, comparing a cow herder (manager) to a true shepherd (leader) will help illustrate the differences. The cow herder gets on his horse. He gathers his team. He drives the cows forward. If a cow wanders off, the cow herder heads the cow off and brings it back to the herd. This is the mentality of most managers -- let's push my people to get their tasks done. Keep them with the herd. And drive them along.
The true shepherd takes a different approach. He gets to know his sheep and his sheep know him. In fact, the shepherd will call the name of his sheep and they will come to him. If he wants to take them to pasture or water, he gets in front of them and leads the way. If a threat comes, he gathers the sheep and fights to protect them even if his own life is in peril. The sheep willingly follow the shepherd because they respect and trust him. This is the attitude of a leader. They call for people to follow. They develop a relationship of trust and respect with others. They lead the way. Others willing follow the lead.
The understanding of these two concepts has been blurred. This is due to several reasons. The media depicts leaders as loners, crude, get-things-done-at-all-costs figures; and business men as amoral. Organizations put people into "leadership" positions when in reality they are put in managerial positions. The "leaders" of organizations in reality manage instead of lead. Over the next several weeks, I will discuss the seven principles that need to be integrated into one's character if he wants to become a leader.
Harper, D. (2009). Manage. Retrieved November 3, 2009, from Online Etymology: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=manage
Harper, D. (2009). Lead. Retrieved November 3, 2009, from Online Etymology: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=lead
 Swen L Mikesell graduated Sum Cum Laude from Stevens-Henager College with his masters in Health Care Administration and is a member of Alpha Beta Kappa. He was elected to Who's Who of American Colleges and Universities and was a successful small business owner before receiving his masters.He currently resides in Orem, UT with his wife, nine kids, six dogs, and two cats. Swen is currently working at the University of Utah Cardiology Clinic. He is a triathlete and enjoys watching and participating in all sports.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
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| Dina J Belshaw RN (New York, NY) |
on 25 Aug 2010 at 7:40 am |
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| Exactly!!! I can't tell you how clearly, thoughtfully and concisely your article expresses the same issues I've been struggling with! I was saying it as authoritative versus authoritarian styles but I feel you have simplified and stated it considerably better! Thank you! |
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| Anne Kenny (Ft.Lauderdale, Fl) |
on 19 Aug 2010 at 9:55 pm |
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| Excellent article. Greatly needed in this day and age when people seem to have very little understanding about the difference of these roles and how this misunderstanding impacts in a negative manner on the efficient running of departments and organizations. Waiting eagerly to read more. |
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| Swen L. Mikesell (Orem Utah) |
on 19 Aug 2010 at 10:46 am |
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| Thank you for you kind comment. I will be writing other articles on the topic leadership. |
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| Jo |
on 19 Aug 2010 at 9:40 am |
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| Interesting, show me more. |
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| Dr. Robert W. Summers (Reno, NV) |
on 18 Aug 2010 at 8:36 pm |
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| Enjoyed the article,,, Well said. |
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