BETA
This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here

More From Forbes

15 Tips For Better Brainstorming (Whether You're Hybrid, Remote Or In-Office)
Mindfulness In Leadership: Embrace Introspection And Loving-Friendliness
Ways Your Mental Strength May Be Hurting More Than It's Helping
Why Biodiversity Is Critical For Business
Regeneration For Brands—Why It’s Bigger Than You Might Think
Adapting From A 'Me’ Mindset To A ‘We’ Perspective
Edit Story
LeadershipLeadership Strategy

The Key Differences Between Management and Leadership

Kotter
Contributor
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
We write about accelerating transformation.
Following
This article is more than 10 years old.

Since this blog’s inception, my colleagues and I have written about the importance of distinguishing between management and leadership, and how they serve different functions.  Last week, I spoke with BBC’s Business Daily about the democratization of leadership and why it’s important for everyone — from the top of the organization to the bottom — to play a role in shaping an organization’s strategic direction.  I also discussed some of the essential qualities that leaders need, and how they’re not always the characteristics you would expect.  Listen here (my segment starts around 7:40).

For more about how organizations can develop the agility required to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world, read my new article, “Accelerate,” featured in the November issue of Harvard Business Review.

John Kotter is the chief innovation officer at Kotter International, a firm that helps leaders accelerate strategy implementation in their organizations. He is the Konosuke Matsushita Professor of Leadership, Emeritus, at Harvard Business School.

Follow John Kotter:

On Twitter: @KotterIntl

On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KotterInternational

On LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkotter

Sign up for the Kotter International Newsletter.

Kotter
Kotter