Leadership Decision-Making

What is the Difference between Leadership and Management Decision-Making?

Attempting to distinguish between leadership and management decisions, I contend it is first important to understand the difference between a leader and a manager. Arsham (2017) describes each in detail which can be summarize as: Every manager within the organization is classified as a leader, but a leader can be present without a management title or position. Management requires specific skills, including planning, budgeting and controlling. Leadership consists more of developing relationships using effective communication. Although one is not needed for the other, in some cases, it is crucial to be both a manager and a leader. This information can be used to directly relate to how leadership-decision making and management-decision making differ. In pursuit of the right decision, a leader must consider all members and how that decision would impact them. A manager, on the other hand, is more concerned with the impact on the administration and if they are doing what they are “supposed to” (Rodriguez, 2017).  

Reading through these articles and watching the relevant videos, I have been able to apply this information to my current position at work. I am going to combine a few examples within one situation. Although I just began my first job, I have been able to recognize the leadership styles of those around me and the manner they make decisions. When reading about leadership-decision making, I was reminded of my previous direct manager. Though he was well liked within the organization, he lacked management-decision making skills that were required for his position. He recently left the company and top management began the search for a replacement. With many requirements, top management decided to split the job into two positions. Now, as employees, we benefit from acquiring a boss with exceptional leadership-decision making skills as he engages his employees by sharing his vision and making each member a part of the decision. In addition, our other boss is one who is efficient with management tasks and decisions. She handles our schedules and every-day tasks needed to ensure the organization is running smoothly. So far, the transition has been smooth and effective. This further proves the importance of both forms of decision making. Depending on the position one may only be required.  

References

Arsham, H. (2017). Leadership decision making. Retrieved from: http://home.ubalt.edu/ntsbarsh/Business-stat/opre/partXIII.htm (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. 

Rodriguez, I. (2017). What differences in decision-making approaches might occur among leadership styles? Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/differences-decisionmaking-approaches-might-occur-among-leadership-styles-74048.html