Management, Not Leadership: Why Organizations Should Focus On Developing Effective Managers

Hi, everyone - good day to you. I find myself in the early reaches of the Texas Hill Country, just north of San Antonio. We're on the brink of experiencing the first taste of fall – a phenomenon known as a Texas blue northern. It involves a collision of cold air from the north with the warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico. As I share this, the temperature has been on a steady decline, dropping about 10 degrees in the last 30 minutes. We're headed towards a chilly 50 degrees in the next couple of hours. Exciting times!

Now, let's dive into the main topic of the day: Management vs. Leadership, or more precisely, why one might lean towards encouraging management over leadership. Before we get into it, a bit of background: I earned my undergrad degree at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Not to brag, but it's a fantastic institution, and I'll touch on how it shaped my views on leadership.

Leadership at the Core

The military, across all branches and especially at institutions like the Air Force Academy, emphasizes leadership from the ground up. From the moment you set foot to the day you graduate, the focus is on instilling leadership qualities. These institutions are, first and foremost, leadership academies. They mold individuals to become effective leaders, starting at the lowest ranks and extending all the way to high-ranking officers.

The military's reasoning behind this emphasis is multifaceted. It's not just about individual professional development; it's about creating redundancy. The idea is that if everyone is capable of making independent decisions at every level, the organization becomes more autonomous, efficient, and better equipped to handle dynamic situations. This philosophy has proven successful, particularly in the U.S. military, which is widely regarded as one of the most effective forces in history.

Management or Leadership: Unmasking the Difference

When I find myself in discussions about leadership, there's a constant risk of muddling the distinction between leadership and what might genuinely be effective management. Drawing from my personal experiences, I can't help but think that what's often praised as leadership might actually align more closely with effective management practices.

In my view, leaders should be high-level strategic thinkers, envisioning steps beyond the existing playbook. On the flip side, managers have the responsibility of leveraging available processes, tools, and established procedures to execute the mission at hand. Whether it's in the business realm, the military, or any organization, leaders are meant to focus on the big picture, contemplating several months or even years ahead.

The Challenge of Teaching Leadership

Here lies a crucial point: leadership is not as easily teachable as one might hope. Despite the prevailing notion that leadership can be manufactured through training, I contend that it's a more intricate process. Effective leadership, rooted in philosophy rather than mere tactics and procedures, demands a unique set of skills that may not be easily imparted without extensive experience.

Instead of organizations fixating on the pursuit of leaders, I suggest redirecting our focus toward promoting effective management. Management often carries a negative connotation, with images of bumbling bosses akin to Michael Scott from "The Office." However, I argue that a good manager is far more than a mere overseer; they play a pivotal role in executing tasks efficiently and effectively.

Wrapping Up: Food for Thought

In wrapping up my thoughts on this matter, the debate between management and leadership is undeniably nuanced. While leadership is crucial, I propose that what's sometimes labeled as leadership may actually be effective management. Rather than dismissing the value of management, I advocate for a deeper understanding of its significance. Perhaps, in our future discussions, we can explore what constitutes effective management.

I'm eager to hear your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree.

Until next time, cheers everyone! 🍻