Leader Vs Manager

Full Answer Section

      Management:

• Function: Organizes, plans, and oversees daily operations to ensure smooth functioning.
• Qualities: Organized, detail-oriented, efficient, problem-solving skills, and strong communication.
• Example: The nurse manager mentioned earlier creates a detailed implementation plan for the new patient care protocol, assigns tasks to team members, and monitors progress to identify and address any roadblocks.

Followership:

• Function: Actively supports the leader's vision, contributes effectively to achieving the goal, and provides constructive feedback.
• Qualities: Trustworthy, reliable, adaptable, good listener, and team player.
• Example: Team members diligently learn the new protocol, provide suggestions for improvement during implementation, and work collaboratively to address any challenges that arise.

Overlap and Synergies: Yes, at times these roles can overlap. A nurse may demonstrate all three capacities in a single situation:

• Example: A well-respected nurse on a unit observes inefficient medication administration practices. They take initiative to research best practices (leadership), propose improvements to the team (management), and inspire colleagues to adopt the changes (followership – gaining buy-in from others).

Two capacities with greater overlap:

• Leadership and Followership: Effective leaders are often good followers who have learned from strong leaders themselves. They understand the value of followership and inspire others to do the same. Conversely, a good follower can take initiative and emerge as a leader in specific situations.

Local Political Leader Example: Let's consider a local mayor, Ms. Jones.

• Leadership Qualities: Ms. Jones may demonstrate visionary leadership by developing a plan to revitalize the city's downtown area. She inspires public support through charismatic speeches and community engagement.
• Management Qualities: Ms. Jones assigns specific tasks to city council members and departments, oversees budget allocation for the project, and tracks progress to ensure completion within the timeframe.

Followers:

• Voters: Residents who trust Ms. Jones' vision and leadership plan by voting for her re-election are considered followers. They actively participate in community forums to voice their opinions and contribute to the revitalization process.
• City Council Members: Council members who support the mayor's vision and follow her directions by allocating resources and enacting relevant policies are also considered followers in this context.

It's important to note: Public perception can differ. Some may see Ms. Jones' leadership as too directive (lack of collaboration), while others may view it as decisive and efficient. Effective communication and transparency are crucial to bridging such gaps. Leadership, management, and followership are interconnected. Understanding these distinctions and potential overlaps is vital for nurses who strive to influence positive change within healthcare settings.  

Sample Answer

     

Leadership, Management, and Followership: Distinct Yet Overlapping Concepts

Leadership, management, and followership are essential components of any team or organization, but they represent distinct roles with different functions. Here's a breakdown of each with examples:

Leadership:

• Function: Sets the vision, inspires, and motivates others to achieve a common goal.
• Qualities: Visionary, charismatic, strategic, decisive, and risk-taking.
• Example: A nurse manager rallies their team to implement a new, more efficient patient care protocol. They champion the benefits, address concerns, and motivate the team to achieve successful adoption.