Mary Barra, CEO of USA Based Automotive company General Motors (GM), is a strong believer of the supporting relationship between the executive leadership of GM and the management in the different divisions or the organisations. Barra would like for Kim Brycz, Senior Vice President for Global Human Resources at General Motors, to carry out a talent analysis of the leadership and management skills available amongst the GM directors and managers. Brycz need to make sure that the GM executives understand the external and internal environment that impacts the company. They need to have the ability to identify all opportunities that can create a competitive advantage for GM. They need to be able to comprehend the full potential of the opportunities and be able to see how these opportunities can be applied to various sectors of the company to counter the threats and weaknesses of the company. The executives within GM need to consider the current business framework and plans of the company and create new ones to fit in with the new direction for GM. They will need to evaluate all the systems in the company and make the necessary changes to increase overall corporate production and outputs. The top management of General Motors will need to show a true belief and commitment to the new strategy of the company and motivate and encourage all employees to buy in on the strategy, through their example. The executive should also explore the fears and dreams of the workers in GM, and ensure that they trust and admire the top management of the organisation. The General Motors directors should be aware that the company strive for servant leadership and that they should project this through there interaction with the people within GM and outside the company.

The management and supervisors from the different divisions and branches of GM should follow the philosophy, strategy and systems designed by the executive leadership. All levels of management within GM should understand that there need to be actions that support the strategic plans and systems. They also need to apply the people and other resources in the company through various methods and techniques to reach the organisational goals. Without using the employees within the company GM will not reach their goals. Management will need to be innovative in analysing situations at all divisions and be able to adapt to this to solve the challenges facing General Motors.

Question

Discuss the complementary relationship between the concepts of management and leadership by providing examples from the case study.