In the context of PRINCE2 7, the distinction between leadership and management is central to the integrated 'People' element, acknowledging that while processes provide the framework, people deliver the project.
Management is defined as the discipline of organizing and controlling resources to ac…In the context of PRINCE2 7, the distinction between leadership and management is central to the integrated 'People' element, acknowledging that while processes provide the framework, people deliver the project.
Management is defined as the discipline of organizing and controlling resources to achieve specific objectives. It focuses on complexity, order, and consistency. In a PRINCE2 environment, management is the mechanics of the methodology: creating the Project Initiation Documentation (PID), monitoring the stage plans, tracking risks in registers, and ensuring work packages are completed within tolerance. It is fundamentally about 'doing things right'—ensuring efficiency and adherence to the agreed processes and constraints.
Leadership, by contrast, is concerned with setting direction, aligning people, and providing motivation. It focuses on change, vision, and movement. In PRINCE2 7, leadership involves influencing stakeholders, fostering a collaborative team culture, and resolving conflicts through soft skills rather than just authority. It is about 'doing the right things'—ensuring effectiveness and ensuring that the project team is inspired to deliver the outcomes and realize the benefits.
PRINCE2 7 emphasizes that a competent Project Manager must function as both a manager and a leader. Over-reliance on management creates a bureaucratic, compliance-heavy environment that stifles innovation and morale. Over-reliance on leadership without management structure leads to chaotic execution and scope creep. Effective People Management requires the Project Manager to toggle between these modes: managing the artifacts and the plan, but leading the humans. They must manage the constraints of time, cost, and quality, while leading the communication necessary to maintain trust and psychological safety among the project board, the team, and external stakeholders.
Leadership vs Management in PRINCE2 Practitioner v7
What is it? In PRINCE2 v7, the distinction between Leadership and Management is a core component of the integrated 'People' element. While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, PRINCE2 makes a specific distinction. Management is associated with instruction, control, and organization. It focuses on systems, processes, planning, budgeting, and maintaining stability. It is about getting things done through authority and compliance. Leadership is associated with vision, motivation, and influence. It focuses on people, empowering teams, driving change, and inspiring others to achieve shared goals. It relies on trust and persuasion rather than hierarchy.
Why is it Important? Projects are temporary organizations created to deliver change. Change is inherently unsettling for people. Therefore, a Project Manager cannot rely solely on 'Management' (updating registers, tracking time, issuing work packages). They must also exercise 'Leadership' to overcome resistance, maintain morale during uncertainty, and ensure stakeholders are engaged. A Project Manager who only manages may deliver a product, but a Project Manager who leads ensures the product is accepted and benefits are realized.
How it Works Effective project management in PRINCE2 v7 requires a blend of both skills, often shifting based on the situation (Situational Leadership). The Management aspect involves: 1. Defining clear roles and responsibilities. 2. Monitoring progress against the plan. 3. Ensuring adherence to the business case and quality standards. The Leadership aspect involves: 1. Communicating a clear vision of the future state. 2. Facilitating collaboration and resolving conflict. 3. Promoting a culture of learning and trust.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Leadership vs Management When answering Practitioner questions, you must analyze the scenario to determine if the problem requires a process fix (Management) or a people fix (Leadership).
1. Keyword Association: If the scenario mentions controlling, measuring, planning, instructing, or organizing, look for answers related to Management. If the scenario mentions influencing, motivating, empowering, visioning, or aligning, look for answers related to Leadership.
2. Servant Leadership: PRINCE2 v7 promotes 'Servant Leadership'. If a question asks how a PM should handle a team issue, look for answers that involve removing blockers, supporting the team, and facilitating success, rather than 'dictating' or 'punishing'.
3. The 'People' Element: Remember that you manage the mechanisms (risks, issues, plans) but you lead the people. If an exam question describes a stakeholder refusing to cooperate, a 'management' answer (quoting the contract) is usually wrong, while a 'leadership' answer (seeking to understand their concerns and influence them) is usually right.