The Psychology of Executive Coaching, 2nd Edition

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Workers, Managers, and Leaders

Leadership is different from management, but not for the reasons most people think.

—John P. Kotter (1990, p. 103)

People generally do not understand the essential differences between leaders and others. Much of what they do know is wrong and problematic. Because coaches are often called upon to help line workers make the transition from follower to manager and to help managers move into leadership, it is essential that coaches clearly understand the different sets of skills and behaviors required at each level. Many executives have not thought much about the distinctions between leadership and management. The old industrial paradigm sees leadership as simply excellent management or management that is particularly ...