Can You Pass the Salon Leader Vs Manager Test?

Did you know there is a difference between leadership and management?

A commonly coined phrase says that leadership is “doing the right thing” and management is “doing things right.” This shows how the two skill sets need to work together. In order to be fully rounded, you MUST have the ability to manage the day- to-day tasks of your salon or spa, while seeing the opportunity for change and the big picture. Demonstrating good leadership skills without the management skills to support it, will leave you with an inability to execute on your vision. Likewise, being a good manager without good leadership skills will cause continual challenges in motivating your team and producing the results you are trying to manage to. Being able to blend these two styles is truly a unique skill set.

I recently came across an excellent book by Warren Bennis called "On Becoming a Leader." In his book he describes his view of the differences between managers and leaders as follows:

• The manager administers; the leader innovates. 
• The manager is a copy; the leader is an original. 
• The manager maintains; the leader develops. 
• The manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people. 
• The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust. 
• The manager accepts reality; the leader investigates it. 
• The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range perspective. 
• The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why. 
• The manager has his or her eye always on the bottom line; the leader has his or her eye on the horizon. 
• The manager imitates; the leader originates. 
• The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it. 
• The manager is the classic good soldier; the leader is his or her own person. 
• The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing.
  

This is a great list and should cause you to pause and reflect on your behavior and ask, "Where am I spending most of my time? Doing the left hand tasks or doing the right hand tasks?" Which one am I stronger in? Weaker in? Which one do I want to be? Or do I want to do both?"

Understanding the differences between leadership and management can ensure that you know when and how to apply each set of characteristics for given processes in your salon or spa.

Ana Loiselle, Milady Business Coach