Explain whether you agree or disagree with your colleague's analysis of the similarities and differences between leadership and management.

Explain whether you agree or disagree with your colleague's explanation of how a manager could become a leader.

Thoroughly support each of your explanations with concepts, theory, and principles from the assigned Learning Resources.

Leadership and management are often conflated in social work organizations, yet they play distinct roles in shaping agency culture and outcomes. Leadership is about inspiring and guiding others toward a shared vision, while management focuses on maintaining structure, systems, and efficiency (Northouse, 2020). Though many social workers function in both capacities, excelling in one does not guarantee strength in the other.

Leaders drive innovation and challenge the status quo, whereas managers maintain order and navigate daily operations (Forbes Coaches Council, 2017). Both are critical; for instance, a manager who handles scheduling and compliance must motivate staff to remain mission-driven.

Importantly, not all managers are leaders. Hurst and Hurst (2017) describe "White Bear Syndrome," where practitioners promoted into management struggle with the reflective and relational skills needed for leadership, often resulting in poor team dynamics. Effective leadership requires cultivating emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a commitment to empowering others.

According to Vito (2020), leadership in social work involves ethical decision-making, relationship-building, and vision. Transitioning from manager to leader may include reflective supervision, mentorship, or leadership development. Ultimately, social work leadership is not defined by position but by one's ability to advocate, uplift, and inspire justice-driven change.