Project Leadership vs Project Management

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Introduction

Let’s face it—when people talk about managing projects, terms like "Project Leadership" and "Project Management" often get mixed up. Over the years, working on projects like the Olympic legacy venue or the Governments BREXIT programme, I’ve seen how crucial it is to understand the difference between these two roles.

In this post, I’ll break down what separates project leadership from project management, what each involves, and why both are critical for successful delivery. Whether you’re new to projects or looking to enhance your skills, this is your guide to knowing when you need to manage and when you need to lead.

What is a Project?

Before diving into leadership and management, let’s define a project. A project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. Unlike routine operations, projects are:

• Temporary – They have a defined start and end.
• Purpose-driven – Each project delivers something specific, whether it’s a new process, a building, or a piece of legislation.
• Bound by constraints – Projects operate within limitations like time, cost, scope, and quality.

Think of a project as the vehicle for delivering change. It’s how organisations evolve, adapt, and innovate.

One example that sticks with me is the Grenfell Tower and Memorial programme. It was a highly sensitive project with a critical goal—to ensure safety for affected residents. Its temporary nature, specific objective, and clear constraints make it a textbook project example.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

A project manager is the engine that drives the project forward. They’re responsible for ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Here’s what a typical day might involve for a project manager:

1. Planning – Laying out timelines, resources, budgets, and milestones. Think of it as creating the map to guide the team from A to B.
2. Execution – Coordinating teams, communicating progress, and making sure deliverables meet expectations.
3. Monitoring and Controlling – Tracking progress, mitigating risks, and adjusting plans to keep the project on course.
4. Closure – Wrapping things up, ensuring the client is satisfied, and documenting lessons learned.

Project managers are process-driven. They focus on delivering outcomes within constraints. Without strong project management, even the best ideas can fall apart.

Who Can Be a Project Leader?

Here’s where things get interesting. While project managers focus on the "how," project leaders focus on the "why." Leadership isn’t about following a checklist; it’s about inspiring people to achieve something meaningful.

According to the Institute of Leadership, project leaders excel when they embody these five key dimensions:

1.  Authenticity

Being authentic means staying true to your values and building trust with your team. When I worked on Governments BREXIT programme, authenticity helped me navigate complex stakeholder relationships. People trust leaders who are transparent and genuine.

2.  Vision

A great leader doesn’t just focus on today’s tasks—they inspire teams with a clear picture of the future. Having a compelling vision keeps everyone aligned, even when challenges arise.

3.  Achievement

Leadership is about setting ambitious goals and delivering on them. Celebrating milestones, big or small, motivates the team and builds momentum.

4.  Ownership

True leaders take responsibility, not just for successes but also for failures. It’s about being accountable and creating a culture of trust within the team.

5.  Collaboration

Great leaders know they can’t do it alone. They harness the power of diverse perspectives and encourage open communication to achieve the best results.

Key Differences Between Project Leadership and Project Management

Both roles are vital, but they come into play at different stages of a project.

Personal Reflections

Looking back on my career, some of the most rewarding moments have come from balancing these two aspects. On projects like the Grenfell programme, leadership meant making tough decisions and communicating with empathy. On others, like the Olympics, strong management ensured we stayed on budget and delivered on time.

Every project is unique, but the key takeaway is this: project management gets things done, and project leadership makes it meaningful.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between project leadership and management can transform the way you approach your work. While project managers focus on execution, project leaders inspire and align their teams. Both are essential for success.

If you’re looking to develop both sets of skills, the Project Leadership Launchpad Course is designed to help you bridge the gap. Ready to take the next step? Let’s go.