b) Read the statement below and discuss as to what extent do you agree or disagree.
‘a person can be a manager without being a leader. (5 marks)
AGREE. GIVE REASONS TO WHY YOU AGREE
I agree with the statement that a person can be a manager without being a leader. Here are the reasons for my agreement:
1. Distinct Roles: The role of a manager and that of a leader can be quite distinct. Managers are often focused on the execution of existing processes, maintaining control over situations, and ensuring that their team achieves the set objectives. They are responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources to achieve specific outcomes. On the other hand, leaders tend to inspire and motivate people, create visions for the future, and lead changes within an organization. Leadership is more about influencing people and setting a direction for others to follow.
2. Technical Skills vs. People Skills: Management roles can heavily rely on technical skills, administrative abilities, and a solid understanding of operational procedures. These competencies are different from leadership skills, which are more about emotional intelligence, the ability to inspire trust, excellent communication, and the capacity to motivate and engage others. A person can be highly skilled in managerial tasks without possessing the traits that make an individual a compelling leader.
3. Hierarchical Position: Being a manager can be a result of hierarchical position within an organization, indicating a role with certain responsibilities and authority. However, leadership is not necessarily tied to a formal position. Employees may not view a manager as a true leader if that manager doesn't exhibit leadership qualities like vision, inspiration, or an ability to navigate complex social dynamics to unite a team.
4. Influential Impact: Leadership involves creating an impact that extends beyond the day-to-day operational tasks of management. While a manager might ensure the team meets its goals, a leader influences the team's beliefs, values, and behaviors. A person can effectively keep a team on track to meet goals without being able to shape the culture or rally the team around a shared vision, displaying management without leadership.
5. Training and Development: Many individuals are trained and excel in managerial capabilities, including budgeting, scheduling, and reporting, without having received training in leadership skills such as visionary thinking, strategic planning, and people development. While management skills can be taught through formal education and training, leadership often requires a different approach, potentially involving mentorship, real-world experience, and a natural affinity for relating to and empowering others.
In summary, management and leadership, while interrelated, are different skill sets and roles. A person can hold the title of a manager and perform managerial functions effectively without necessarily being considered a leader. Leadership is more about the ability to inspire change and generate a following, which may or may not be part of a manager's skill set or role within an organization.