When you are promoted into a role where you are managing people, you don’t automatically become a leader. There are important distinctions between managing and leading people. Here are nine of the most important differences that set leaders apart: Show
1. Leaders create a vision, managers create goals. Leaders paint a picture of what they see as possible and inspire and engage their people in turning that vision into reality. They think beyond what individuals do. They activate people to be part of something bigger. They know that high-functioning teams can accomplish a lot more working together than individuals working autonomously. Managers focus on setting, measuring and achieving goals. They control situations to reach or exceed their objectives. Watch on Forbes: 2. Leaders are change agents, managers maintain the status quo. Leaders are proud disrupters. Innovation is their mantra. They embrace change and know that even if things are working, there could be a better way forward. And they understand and accept the fact that changes to the system often create waves. Managers stick with what works, refining systems, structures and processes to make them better. 3. Leaders are unique, managers copy. Leaders are willing to be themselves. They are self-aware and work actively to build their unique and differentiated personal brand. They are comfortable in their own shoes and willing to stand out. They’re authentic and transparent. Managers mimic the competencies and behaviors they learn from others and adopt their leadership style rather than defining it. 4. Leaders take risks, managers control risk . Leaders are willing to try new things even if they may fail miserably. They know that failure is often a step on the path to success. Managers work to minimize risk. They seek to avoid or control problems rather than embracing them. 5. Leaders are in it for the long haul, managers think short-term. Leaders have intentionality. They do what they say they are going to do and stay motivated toward a big, often very distant goal. They remain motivated without receiving regular rewards. Managers work on shorter-term goals, seeking more regular acknowledgment or accolades. 6. Leaders grow personally, managers rely on existing, proven skills. Leaders know if they aren’t learning something new every day, they aren’t standing still, they’re falling behind. They remain curious and seek to remain relevant in an ever-changing world of work. They seek out people and information that will expand their thinking. Managers often double down on what made them successful, perfecting existing skills and adopting proven behaviors. 7. Leaders build relationships, managers build systems and processes. Leaders focus on people – all the stakeholders they need to influence in order to realize their vision. They know who their stakeholders are and spend most of their time with them. They build loyalty and trust by consistently delivering on their promise. Managers focus on the structures necessary to set and achieve goals. They focus on the analytical and ensure systems are in place to attain desired outcomes. They work with individuals and their goals and objectives. Subscribe To The Forbes Careers Newsletter 8. Leaders coach, managers direct. Leaders know that people who work for them have the answers or are able to find them. They see their people as competent and are optimistic about their potential. They resist the temptation to tell their people what to do and how to do it. Managers assign tasks and provide guidance on how to accomplish them. 9. Leaders create fans, managers have employees. Leaders have people who go beyond following them; their followers become their raving fans and fervent promoters – helping them build their brand and achieve their goals. Their fans help them increase their visibility and credibility. Managers have staff who follow directions and seek to please the boss. Are you a manager or a leader? Join me! I’m delivering a special Forbes Webinar with Kimberly Horner: The New Rules for Personal Branding. We’ll share everything you need to know so you can build your brand for the digital age. It’s on September 12th at noon EDT. Register here. In an organizational setup, a manager is an important link between the firm and its stakeholders, i.e. employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, government, society, and so forth. He is the one who performs basic managerial functions. Conversely, a leader is the one who inspires, encourages, and influences his men, to work willingly, in the attainment of the organization’s objectives. The two are not one and the same thing, however, one can only become a successful manager, when he/she is an effective leader. In this context, what you need to know is that Leadership is a skill, and the person who possesses this ability is known as a Leader. On the other hand, Management is a discipline, and the practitioner of this discipline is known as the Manager. This write-up contains the differences between leader and manager. Content: Leader Vs ManagerComparison ChartBasic Differences Additional Differences Basis for ComparisonLeaderManagerKey AttributeForesightednessPrompt decision making and coordinationSubordinateFollowersEmployeesWhat does he/she do?Sets directionsPlans activitiesStyleTransformationalTransactionalAims atMotivating and inspiring peopleDirecting and Controlling employeesFocusPeopleProcessChangePromotes change.Reacts to change.ConflictUses conflict as an assetAvoid conflictPeopleAligns peopleArranges peopleStrivesFor effectivenessFor efficiency Definition of LeaderA leader refers to a person who leads others in a specific situation and is capable of heading the group towards the accomplishment of the ultimate goal by making strategies to pursue and reach the same. A leader has a vision, who inspires people, in such a way that it becomes their vision. Further, the leader can be any person having the potential to influence others, be it a manager of an organization, or head of the family, or a captain of a team, minister of a state, or leader in an informal group. He/She is the one who:
Now, you must be wondering, Why people follow a leader? Well, it is because the behavior of people is influenced by the leader. And that is why a leader can exercise power over them. Also Read: Difference Between Boss and Leader What is Leadership?Leadership refers to a social influence relationship amidst a group that depends on one another for the accomplishment of the goal. The relationship basically moves around the acceptance or rejection of the leader by its followers. Qualities of a LeaderA leader has many qualities, some of them are listed hereunder:
Types of LeaderThere are mainly four types of leader:
Also Read: Difference Between Transactional and Transformational Leadership Definition of ManagerManagers are those individuals who are employed by the organization so as to direct and monitor the work of other employees working in the organization. They are the ones who get their work done by the employees and have the authority to hire or fire the employees. He/She ensures that the tasks are completed within the stipulated time frame while complying with all the rules and policies of the organization and using the allocated resources. Also Read: Difference Between Entrepreneur and Manager Classification of Managers
Functions of Managers
Skills and Competencies of ManagersAs per Robert L. Katz and others, managers must possess four skills, which are:
Also Read: Difference Between Supervisor and Manager Key Differences Between Leader and ManagerHere we have divided the differences between leader and manager into two categories, i.e. main differences and additional differences. Come let us discuss them: Main Differences:
Additional Differences
Video: Leader Vs ManagerExampleDigiLap Computers is a firm that deals in Laptops, Tablets, and Personal Computers. The business was commenced by Mr. Rao in the year 1995. It has multiple branches in the city, employing more than 100 workers. Each branch has a team of 20 workers, lead by a supervisor who supervises them in their work. Further, Mr. Arun instructs the supervisors of all the stores and also looks after the day-to-day chores of the workers. Now, who is the Manager and Leader in this case? Well, all supervisors working in the company are the leaders, while Mr. Arun is the Manager. Role of ManagerAccording to Mintzberg, the Manager performs ten roles that are different yet interrelated.
Also Read: Difference Between Manager and Director ConclusionIt has been said that ‘A manager is always a leader, but vice versa is not true’ Do you know why? Well, a manager also plays the role of a leader in an organization by influencing and motivating those working under him, but a leader may not be a manager, because, there are people who lead informal groups, like in our friend circle, dance group, etc. Hence, we can use the word ‘leader’ to address a person leading an informal group, as there is no manager in such groups. What are the roles of manager and leader?One responsibility of a manager is controlling a group in order to accomplish a specific goal. Leadership, on the other hand, is the ability of an individual to motivate, influence, and enable other employees to make a contribution to the success of an organization.
What are the functions of a leader?A leader is someone who is in charge of organizing, guiding, and managing others. They are visionaries who motivate and encourage their team to reach the desired outcome. Understanding what leadership entails is essential to your success if your duties call for you to lead others.
What are 5 functions of managers?At the most fundamental level, management is a discipline that consists of a set of five general functions: planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling.
What are the 4 basic functions and roles of managers?There are four basic functions of management into which nearly every action or process can be categorized:. Planning functions.. Organizing functions.. Leading functions.. Controlling functions.. |