How Does the Practice of Public Leadership Differ From Private Leadership?

Leadership is the role of an individual who sets a clear mission for an organization or group and can communicate the vision to other individuals. Public leadership primarily focuses on the government and private leadership centers on business.

Facts

Public leadership is typically found in politicians voted into office by constituents. These individuals may be charismatic and typically sell their plans or ideas to other individuals. Private leadership comes from business owners or managers who must drive a company to earn the highest possible profits.

Features

Politicians holding public office typically have the same traits as private leaders. The approach is different because these individuals are often more visible to wide groups of individuals in their states or the nation. Private leaders often have a limited range of view, primarily within an organization.

Considerations

Both public and private leaders must have knowledge, information and methods to achieve their goals. Public and private leaders may approach situations differently, where public leaders take issues to constituents and private leaders rely on themselves to focus the company's vision.

References

• BusinessDictionary.com: Leadership
• Harvard University: In-and-Outers: Up or Down?