Leadership is a word that has been bandied around with increased frequency in recent years. While it is commonly assumed that top managers have well-developed leadership skills, this is not always the case. Most experts on the subject are quick to point out that management and leadership are different branches of the same tree.

The general consensus is that while leaders are more concerned with creating a direction for the company, management needs to focus on developing systems to keep the business moving in the desired direction.

Leaders tend to focus on ideological aspects of the business such as mission and value statements, as well as the people and organisational culture. These concerns often lead to intangible outcomes the impact of which is not always immediately apparent in the bottom line.

Managers on the other hand are more prominently responsible for setting out rules and guidelines, systems, operating procedures and even incentive programs for staff.

In today’s climate, business leaders need both skill sets in their portfolio. While most are comfortable with their management competencies, the endless array of leadership workshops are testament to a growing demand for help as managers strive to live up to the ideal that:

• Leaders are the heart of a business
• Leaders set a direction
• Leaders maintain staff morale
• Leaders demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm at all times
• Leaders encourage friendship among co-workers
• Leaders have a good sense of humour
• Leaders know their own strengths and weaknesses
• Leaders surround themselves with the right people in the right positions