What distinguishes leadership from management?

Leadership is fundamentally about influencing and guiding individuals or teams toward a common vision or goal, inherently requiring direct human interaction. Unlike management, which can often involve setting policies, procedures, and allocating resources in a more structured framework, leadership focuses on inspiring and motivating people. It thrives in collaborative environments where communication and emotional intelligence are critical in rallying people around shared objectives.

Leaders need to connect with their followers to foster trust, build rapport, and inspire action. This personal connection distinguishes leadership from management, which may focus more on processes and systems rather than on interpersonal relationships. Hence, the essence of leadership is realized through interactions, emotions, and shared visions, making human engagement essential for effective leadership.