Too often, these words are used interchangeably, or they are misunderstood with one regarded as superior to the other. In truth, they're both different, and they are both essential for a team. When supervising any group, a person needs to know when to lead, and when to manage, and how to know the difference:
MANAGEMENT:
Optimization of those operations essential for function of the mission while minimizing disruptive change.
LEADERSHIP:
A great supervisor knows when to wear either hat.
For example (in a corporate environment):
Paychecks typically flow out every two weeks to all colleagues. A great manager knows how to optimize that activity so it works well without interruption. Colleagues know the expectation and are happy.
When to put on the leadership hat:
Imagine a paycheck systems change or a software upgrade which might require the organization to change from generating paychecks every two weeks - to twice a month. This creates a very different bank schedule for everyone involved, and it has massive knock-on impacts on the team and their families.
A great leader knows how to inspire and lead that change, when required, with all on board to make the payment scheduling change happen for best mission execution. Then, soonest, that great supervisor then reverts back to Management mode to optimize the execution of the new, stable payment schedule, terminating the change.
Can you imagine a supervisor who would continuously meddle with the paycheck processing schedule? Disaster! But occasionally, leading the team to change when required for the system? Sure.
A great supervisor knows the difference between these two activities, Leadership and Management - and knows when to put on the Manager Hat and when to put on the Leader Hat to create the most consistent success for the team.
Both Management and Leadership are critical functions for a Supervisor - The key is to know how and when to wear each hat.
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