The two forces that are critical determinants in the way organizations operate and develop are management and leadership. Although the terms are usually used interchangeably, they are different yet complementary roles. Management involves planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling of resources in order to attain a certain set of objectives. Leadership is about people and inspiring them and forming some direction. Organizations that are successful require effective and good management as well as leadership to be able to run well and acclimatize to change.

The management starts with planning. Planning entails the formulation of objectives and determination of how these objectives should be attained. Managers assess, establish priorities and distribute resources like time, money, and human resources. Good planning eliminates doubt and assists organizations to be in a straight path. Daily activities are not planned, and hence, they are reactive rather than intentional. Planning also enables the organizations to foresee the challenges and come up with solutions prior to an increase in the scale of problems.

The other major management aspect is organizing. This entails organizing duties, functions as well as work processes. Managers determine who performs what, how the work is grouped and how the various units are able to coordinate. Strategic order eliminates confusion and repetition. Once individuals realize their functions, work is more effective and less stressful. Building systems that promote communication and accountability also come under the organizing.

Leadership is about individuals and not about procedures. Leaders do shape attitudes, behaviors and motivation. They share vision, foster involvement and trust. A leader makes people see the importance of work and how it should be applied to bigger objectives. Good leaders are responsive to others, they allow the other members of the team to have their views, and they facilitate the environment that makes the people feel appreciated. Leadership does not involve being in charge of other people. It is concerning empowering individuals to do their best.

Management and leadership are linked through communication. Managers should communicate plans, expectations and procedures well. Leaders need to spread vision, values and motivation. Communication is helpful in minimizing misunderstandings and enhancing relationships. It also brings in transparency, which is a source of trust in organizations. Plans that are well designed may fail when there is poor communication.

Another similar responsibility is in decision making. Managers are interpreting data, evaluating alternatives and making decisions. Leaders think over the impact of decisions on individuals and corporate culture. Making good decisions allows a balance between being logical and empathetic. They look at both the immediate outcomes and the future outcomes. Careful making of decisions helps achieve stability and growth.

Motivation is significant in performance. Rewards, performance systems and feedback are some of the methods that managers can employ to promote productivity. Leaders are inspirational and motivate by means of purpose, recognition and example. Individuals tend to work better when they feel valued and related to something significant.

There is a difference in management and leadership styles. Other managers like orderly styles. There are those leaders who believe in teamwork. The correct style does not exist. Good managers and leaders are flexible to circumstances and people.

The process of learning and development is a continual task. Invested organizations enhance competence and self-assurance. Leaders that encourage learning establish growth cultures.

The knowledge of management and leadership aids organizations in running smoothly in addition to developing people. The combination of them brings about harmony between the formal and the inspirational. Stability is brought by a good management. Effective leadership gives guidance. By uniting them, they create organizations that are able to prosper and develop with time.