The Leadership Pipeline

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This group forms a conversation framework for interested parties to throw ideas around leadership and leadership development

Members: 52
Latest Activity: Mar 7

Leadership vs Management: It has become an irrelevant debate

Kotter in 1990 developed a theory that there is a difference between leadership and management. This resulted in a view that leaders are seen as charismatic and often are admired and held in high esteem; managers frequently are thought of as the organisation's taskmasters with a whip in one hand and a bullhorn for screaming out orders in the other hand. It has also become a status issue – leadership is seen as superior.
Is there really a difference between these two terms, or are the perceived differences simply a matter of style? Even if there is a difference, does that difference truly affect the day-to-day workplace? Is it important to differentiate between leadership and management?
Defining leadership and management have always been difficult. The two terms often are used interchangeably in the workplace, creating confusion.
I’m of the view (support by the work of Stamp, Katz &Kahn and Jacques) that work looks different at different levels of the organisation, which implies that leadership will also look different. I’m further of the view that all employees in the organisation need leadership skills, even if it is only self-leadership. Leadership is not for the selected view – it is the work of all employees
I don’t think it matters whether there is a difference or not – we rather need to focus on the nature and the work of leaders and stop confusing the workplace. The nature of leadership has got a lot to do with how we do things and why we do things. The work of leadership refers to what leaders do.

Discussion Forum

What distinguishes a great leader from a mediocre one? 2 Replies

Is it their leadership ability, their leadership style, their character, integrity, knowledge, ability to make profit, clarity of vision and so on? Whatever the answer, the important thing to realise…

Started by Des Squire. Last reply by Brian Moores-Pitt Feb 3.

Does the Generation Gap have an impact in managment?

Many managers I deal with are currently experiencing problems in their relations with subordinate managers and other subordinate employees. Many comment on the fact employees are lazy or do not appea…

Started by Des Squire Jan 20.

The Great Problem With Leadership Theory 2 Replies

The problem with leadership theory is that we often try to get to a point where we generalize so much that the theory becomes irrelevant. Many American authors are guilty of this, including people li…

Tagged: control, music, leadership

Started by Phil. Last reply by Brian Moores-Pitt Jan 19.

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Comment by Des Squire on March 3, 2010 at 8:33am: I would like to send some information regarding the impending changes in the Companies Act and related Corporate Governace issues to CEO's, Company Secretaries and company directors.
Can you assist me with company name, phone number and/or an e-mail address? Please send information to me directly at dsquire@amsi.co.za

Comment by Amanda Maree on February 3, 2010 at 9:03am: One of my passions is leadership development, and The Leadership Pipeline has been very insightful - especially when considering talent management in an organisation. It provides for specialists and people who are looking for career advancement. I am sure I will gain a lot from the shared wisdom of members of this group.

Comment by Chuma on November 17, 2009 at 5:17pm: It is my great pleasure and honor to join such group as much as I will learn more about being a leader. I am a BEC member of a spiritual/religious organisation at a learning institution level (university) that is operating all over South Africa in different levels and I am in its critical portfolio (finance officer/treasure). I think I will be able to lead those souls and members with a great assistance from this group. Thanks Letitia for creating this group.

Comment by Wouter van Wyk on October 3, 2009 at 7:47pm: I find this a stimulating prompt for a discussion. Obviously volumes of research are being done on both leadership and management - there are many people actually making a living by studying the various facets involved. So without trying to go into too much detail here, I would like to make just a few brief comments:
* I believe leadership and management can be distinguished, but not separated altogether. Leadership requires a broad perspective on life and your own industry, an acute awareness of threats and opportunities in the environment, and the ability to persuade others to make the right choices and stick to them. Management requires doing the practical things to implement strategy, and creating effective teams to do more than the individuals could have done.
* I believe that both leadership and management are needed in any organisation.
* Some people combine the characteristics and work values of both leadership and management very well, some people are good leaders but bad managers, and other people are good managers but bad leaders.
* This means that all levels of an organisation need a good balance of both leadership and management. Too many leaders without good managers results in chaos following good ideas; too manay managers without good leaders results in stagnation and micromanagement.
* For those who have not yet read the book, I strongly suggest you read "The leadership pipeline. How to build the leadership-powered company" by Ram Charan, Stephen Drotter & James Noel (2001). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Comment by Mohgamat Awaldien on September 29, 2009 at 7:52am: leaders are those who has the ability to take the bull by its horns and share knowledge.....

Comment by Carl Muller on September 10, 2009 at 10:59pm: Leaders are those people that can develop leaders. Managers cannot develop leaders. They get other people to manage the organization!!!

Comment by Harry James Solomon on September 10, 2009 at 5:45pm: Hi Letitia

Once Leadership ability are directly proportional to the number of people who choose to follow you, open for comment

I've learned over the years that as individuals we can only develop once we develop others.
There is nothing more rewarding seeing others grow in your presence through your input, no matter how small.......

Comment by Dr Ernest Maigurira on September 8, 2009 at 3:32pm: I just wanna discribe leadership as :- Developing outstanding leadership capability is all about personal and professional transformation that will create value for the leader, the team, and the organization.
We develop as leaders when we are ready and willing to make the hard changes in ourselves.
Leadership development happens when people realize it’s as much about their own personal lives as it is about their organizational role. Leadership development is an inward journey that must engage the heart as well as the head—it’s a call to grow personally and in our relationships. What do you say guys?