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Management and Leadership
Leadership is the process by which a person influences others to accomplish a
goal, and directs an organization in a manner that makes it more unified and logical. A
noted by Maxwell (1991), “True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It
comes only from influence, and that can’t be mandated. It must be earned” (p.14).
Leadership can also be described as a dynamic, relational process involving interactions
among leaders, members, and outside influences. Management is the process of
formulating a strategic vision, setting goals, crafting a strategy and then implementing
and executing that strategy. Drucker (1977) states “…management is a function, a
discipline, a task to be done; and managers are the professionals who practice this
discipline, carry out the functions, and discharge these tasks” (p.11). It focuses on the
entire organization from a short and long-term perspective. Leadership without
management sets a vision that others follow, without considering how the new vision is
going to be achieved. Management without leadership controls resources to maintain the
status quo or ensure things happen according to pre-established plans. Leadership
combined with management sets a new direction and manages the resources to achieve it.
Leadership within the United States Postal Service starts with the Postmaster
General and is passed through the channels down to the local postmasters and plant
managers. The Postmaster General’s vision is for the entire postal service, whereas the
plant manager’s vision i ...