Just as a building needs a foundation, so too does an organization. In this fast-paced world of business, the organization's success or failure hinges upon how both leadership and management work together.

The concepts of leadership and management are not new, but too frequently are interchanged. However, each has its own meaning and methodology in regards to an organization's success.

So, how can an organization use leadership as a guiding force? People make all the difference. Management consultant Peter Drucker once said, "Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations." It is making sure that the people in the organization are utilized to their best advantage.

In contrast, management knows how to get things done. The manager's role is to help the organization work in harmony with leadership. Leadership's role is to develop the priorities, and management helps to get the priorities accomplished.

Leadership and management are equal partners in an organization's success. People are the glue that binds an organization together. The leaders have to make sure that whoever works for them understands those priorities. Managers take the established priorities and have them brought to fruition.

Often times, leadership and management are taken for granted. These two areas are frowned upon as needless and not effective. Organizations will begin to turn inward and do not want to address the root cause that makes their foundation crack.

Buildings age and so do organizations. When buildings age they get a facelift, and organizations are no exception. Both leadership and management within the organization should look at the certain causes and effects of what is ailing the organization. Leadership and management must work hand in hand to explore, develop, improvise and set the right goals to help in an organization's redevelopment.

The use of people is paramount. The organization should be looked at as a team, with team members in each department. Leadership and management cannot function without these team members. The organization's role is not to alienate its people, but to help make them all effective team members.

For a building to stand the test of time, many storms must be addressed. For the organization to function well, it takes the leadership and management to formulate the proper culture and direction. Only then can the organization pursue a path that will help it to achieve longevity.

A final thought from Drucker: "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things."