Leaders and managers can be two entirely separate people. A good manager does not have to be a good leader, nor does a good leader have to be practiced at management. What is special about leadership development is that it works assuming the object is to turn a leader into an even better one, by giving them the knowledge and skills to be a good manager.
Team building means learning about the processes and procedures that work best in a business setting. They are skills, which can be learned over a period of time. The results of applying good management practices and procedures provide a much more tangible result and can be quantified when it comes to achieving targets and measuring production output.
Many business experts and psychologist believe that pure management is a trait you are born with and cannot be taught or measured. While some of their colleagues believe you can be taught to lead by developing your strengths and positive skills and making better use of them.
The history books show that many of the great leaders had little education and had certainly never heard of management skills. What they did in taking charge and leading others was to assume their natural role within the scheme of things. They were usually accepted as a leader because they demonstrated that they could make difficult decisions and take appropriate actions and were worthy of the trust and respect of their followers.
Not all members of a group require the same level or type of interaction with the leader. The leader will recognize when individuals need their support and to what extent. They will respect and make the best use of individual skills and abilities. Their main role is to provide their followers with the motivation and support they need to reach their goals.
Leaders can and should actively develop management skills. The more they understand of the business and its processes the more respect they will gain for it. That combined with their ability to be decisive and make informed decisions helps them to direct the business.
Self-knowledge and being able to appreciate the impact of your own leadership and management styles on others are important aspects of any managerial development program. Again, the history books show that many charismatic leaders were not necessarily responsible managers of their businesses or people. A good leadership development program aims to enhance leadership skills with some management skills.
It is true that pure management is a trait you are born with and cannot be taught or measured.
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