Manage or Lead: What is the Difference

In the March 2018 edition of Engineering Management Review (EMR) [ibid., Vol 46, No 1, pp 11–12.], the author suggested the place to start on one’s leadership journey is to learn to lead oneself. If you have addressed that, you are ready to step out as a leader. Quite possibly, given that you are reading the EMR, you are an engineering manager and you wonder what the difference is between management and leadership. Both are essential for success in your career. It is important for readers to master principles of disciplined project management and develop leadership skills. The author discusses what the difference is. It is argued that where you should start if you are interested in moving from manager to leader is to first recognize the absolute importance of good management. Then for the group you are leading, talk about your collective vision and iterate on it until it is understood and accepted by the people you are leading. Base your decisions and actions on the organization’s stated beliefs and values. This will help established the right "can do" culture. Communicate frequently how your decisions and the actions you take are in support of the organization, its mission and strategy, and helping to move all towards the vision. Take the time often to explain the "why" along with the "who, when, how, and what." If you do these things you are leading.