Roles and Characteristics of a Leader and a Manager

Management
&
Operations

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1: Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager........1
P2: Examine examples of how the role of a leader and the function of a manager apply in
different situational contexts.......................................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P3: Apply different theories and models of approach, including situational leadership, systems
leadership and contingency.........................................................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P4: Explain the key approaches to operations management and the role that leaders and
managers play.............................................................................................................................8
P5: Explain the importance and value of operations management in achieving business
objectives....................................................................................................................................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
P6: Assess the factors within the business environment that impact upon operational
management and decision-making by leaders and managers...................................................10
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Operations management is concerned with planning and controlling the manufacturing
process and the reorganising operations of the business in the production of goods and services.
In simple words, business operations that are to managed by the management of the organisation
for which management functions- planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling are
performed. Management is a task which consists of process which focuses on goal achievement.
Every organisation works on the basis of a plan and the techniques to execute it. The managerial
process involves the recognition of objectives and targets of the company and the ways to
achieve them. According to G.R. Terry, “management is a distinct process consisting of
planning, organising, actuating and controlling, performed to determine and accomplish stated
objectives by the use of human beings and other resources”. This report is in the context of
Barclays. Barclays is a British multinational company which is an investment bank and also
provides financial services headquartered in London, England. The following report includes the
roles and work of a leader and a manager, roles of managers and leaders on basis on some
organisation's situations and some more topics related to management of operations.
TASK 1
P1: Define and compare the different roles and characteristics of a leader and a manager.
LEADERS:
Leader is a person who helps with proper guidance, instructions, directions and
leadership to an individual or a group of individuals for the purpose to acheive organisational
goals and objectives. It is the responsibility of the leader to monitor the quantity as well as the
quality achievements of the team and report it to the managers(Burns, 2018). Usually, the leader
works within the team as a member with the additional responsibilities of a leader.
MANAGER
Manager is a person in the organisation who is responsible for developing and carrying
the management process. In simple words, manager is a person responsible for controlling or
administering an organisation or a group of staff.
Leaders V/s Managers:
Basis Leaders Managers
1

Position Leaders don't necessarily hold a
management position.
A manager is a member of an
organisation and holds a management
position.
Role The most important role of a leader
is to provide a clear and
compelling direction.
Manager has a responsibility of
carrying out the management
functions- planning, organising,
leading and controlling.
Essentials of a good leader:
A good leader possesses some good qualities. These are:
 Communication: An effective leader is not just a good influencer but also a good
communicator who knows how to talk to each subordinate at the time when problem
arises (Reid and Sanders, 2019). A good leader knows how to handle a situation
effectively and efficiently.
 Self-awareness: Leaders who are self-aware have the capability to see themselves with
crystal-clear eyes. They are able to appreciate and identify their strengths, and just as
importantly, they are able to identify their vulnerabilities (Barnes, 2018). By being self-
aware, a leader is able to put forward their strengths and lean into those abilities.
 Influence: The most difficult work of a leader is to influence and inspire others. It can
only be possible by setting a good example in front of the subordinates.
 Delegation and Empowerment: An effective leader has duty of to delegate work.
Delegation in leadership not only helps getting things done, but it also empowers
employees by giving them greater autonomy(Yan, 2018). None of the leaders can
perform all tasks at all times, and delegation is a key tool for boosting team's morale and
organizational performance and efficiency.
ROLE OF A LEADER:
There are 5 kinds of roles of a good leader. These are as follows:
1. The Motivator: Motivation can vary from person-to-person. The motivator influences
others to act in an advantageous manner.
2