The two terms ‘leader’ and ‘manager’ are used interchangeably in many situations. However, this is in fact wrong, as they are inexplicably different from each other. Even though they at times have a common ground, one should not be confused for the other. According to Clark (2009), a leader is an individual who inspires and motivates individuals to take part and buy into fulfilling his/her vision. As such, he/she focuses mainly on achieving long-term goals as opposed to short-term goals.
A leader is thus expected to possess certain qualities such as honesty and integrity so that his/her followers trust in what they are working towards. On the other hand, a manager is mainly focused on planning and organizing responsibilities, to ensure day-to-day operations are undertaken. Therefore, his/her intent is mostly on achieving short-term goals, as opposed to the leader’s focus on long-term vision. In order to do so, a manager ensures systems and processes are running as expected.
However, leadership and management goals overlap in certain areas. In this case, people management is a key component in both leadership and management. Both leaders and managers must ensure they have good people skills required to inspire and motivate people to take the recommended action.In terms of goals, a common aim of both leaders and managers is their need to achieve their goals, both in the short and long term, in order to keep advancing and relevant in their industries.
As a nurse leader, I can influence the desired change by taking into consideration the overlap as indicated above. Successful management must involve leadership in the five main roles of directing, planning, staffing controlling, and organizing. As a manager, inspiring individuals through my direction and control, planning while considering long-term goals, motivating individuals to either join or continue working at the facility, and effective organization is a demonstration of how I can influence change as a nurse leader.
Reference
Clark, C. C. (2009). Creative nursing leadership & management. Sudbury: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
