Leadership or Management - When to Use What and Why

After you have checked out the balance between your leadership and management skills. The next step is to examine how the two skillsets can work together. We'll use the topic of barn rules as an example.

Barn rules typically fall under the category of management. However, operating solely from a manger mindset can be very destructive to client relationships. This is why so many horse business owners struggle when it comes to management tasks that involve people.

The manager mindset is about processes. The leadership mindset is about people.

 Therefore, when it comes to areas of your business that require management but involve people both skillsets are important.  Your leadership skills will help you preserve and build relationships. Your management skills will help you complete the necessary processes that keep your business running smoothly. Let's look some core strengths the two roles bring to the table.

Barn Rules from the Leadership Perspective

1. Shared vision of your barn culture and values.
2. Communication about how the rules of the barn support that vision.
3. Modeling the behavior that you have requested of your clients.
4. Motivating clients to follow the rules.

Barn Rules from the Management Perspective

1. A list of the policies and procedures that keep horses, resources and people safe.
2. Protection and order so that your business can accomplish its mission.
3. Creating a signed legal/business agreement between two parties.  
4. Enforcing the rules when necessary.  

From a leadership perspective, the rules serve the barn community. From a management perspective, the rules serve the business.  When they work together…

Your customers know your values and have agreed with those values.  They know they fit in your barn environment, as well as understand your procedures that keep everyone safe. This creates a supportive barn experience where everyone knows what is expected of them and ultimately, a more successful business.