The difference between assigned leadership and emergent leadership is the assigned leader is doing a job given to them by the organization, and an emergent leader is one who becomes the leader by being in the thick of it. Northouse puts in better when he says “some of the positive communication behaviors that account for the successful leader emergence are; being verbally involved, being informed, seeking others opinions, initiating new ideas, and being firm, not rigid” (2018, Northouse.p.8). When I think of the emergent leader I think of the least obvious choice. In the organizations I’ve worked for I’ve seen the mildest mannered person become the emergent leader and flourish.
Management is about planning, forecasting trends, setting expectations, allocating resources, creating policies and procedures. Also ensuring those procedures are followed and following up when they are not met. Management seeks to organize people and solve problems.
Leadership is about bringing people together to achieve a common goal. Leadership creates the vision and builds partnerships. Leadership seeks to inspire and empower followers. The heart of leadership is authenticity and inclusivity.
I think emergent leadership happens organically and can be quite influential. Assigned leaders don’t always know how to lead. I think Managment has its merits. I have worked for a few really great managers who made light work of organizing large groups of people. I prefer leadership over management as I feel leadership is more cohesive and you see qualities in people that may have been overlooked from a management standpoint.
Who on your team are you underutilizing? Is there a way to tap into their strengths that would better your team?
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice.
Jessica,
It’s interesting that you note that you’ve “seen the mildest mannered person become the emergent leader and flourish.” Do you think that a sense of calmness or steadiness is an important (or essential) characteristic of effective leadership?
— Leadership Prof
Hello,
To answer your question I think calm and steadiness comes with experience and knowledge. I do believe in leadership it is essential to have a sense of steadiness as you are always dealing with people. With people come emotions and feelings to remain objective it is essential to be calm.