Are you a manager or a leader?
What is the difference between a manager and a leader was the first question I was asked when starting my leadership journey and it’s something I still ask people to consider when we’re discussing their professional development.
The terms “manager” and “leader” are often used interchangeably, usually when referring to someone in authority or with line management responsibility.
In simple terms, managers manage what’s in front of them whereas leaders step to the front and inspire others to follow them.
Perhaps that’s a little too simplistic. There are many differences between managers and leaders, and the list could be a long one but, based on my experience, here are the top seven key differences.
1. Managers manage resources – Leaders inspire people
It’s pretty much that simple. Managers use the resources available to them, including staff, to manage tasks and processes. Leaders inspire people to want to take some form of action, work hard, put in discretionary effort, take on additional responsibility and includes inspiring others to want to follow them.
2. Managers maintain a position of stability – Leaders encourage and promote change
The clue is in the name. Managers are there to manage and in doing so, try to keep things under control, working to plans and within defined boundaries. Managers keep things orderly and ensure procedures are followed. Leaders create a vision for how things can be in the future, set new destinations and say “right, we’ll do what we need to in order to get there”. They enable others to believe in that vision of the future and want to help make it a reality. For leaders, it’s about focusing on the end goal and delivering results.
3. Managers are given responsibility – Leaders take ownership
This one becomes more visible as you look around. Many managers like things to be settled, doing their best to keep things controlled. They are given this responsibility due to the position they hold so aim to avoid the balance being upset. Leaders on the other hand step-up to take ownership. They don’t mind when things are less settled as this is often when progress is made and they thrive on being accountable. They take responsibility rather than being given it.
4. Managers help maintain the existing culture – Leaders create the culture
Your workplace culture will be influenced by whether you have a manager or leader. You can see the differences clearly in larger organisations where there is a general workplace culture and managers maintain that but, within the organisation there are teams or departments where the culture just feels a little different, like it’s taken the organisation culture a step further. That will be down to the leadership. You will see that people often want to work in these areas, usually due to the culture they’ve fostered.
5. Managers prefer to be right – Leaders prefer to do what is right
This one is about integrity. Managers can sometimes get caught up in being in the right in work situations. They don’t like to be seen to have made a mistake or admit that they were wrong. Leaders don’t really care who is wrong or right. If they’ve made a mistake, they’re prepared to own it. They focus on doing what is right, even if no one is looking or it’s not the easiest option.
6. Managers give their opinions – Leaders value the opinions of others
Managers will often say – “I think we should do x,y,z”. Leaders value the views of others and will ask for their perspectives – “how do you think we can do x,y,z?”. You’ll often see this in meetings, managers will be keen to put their opinions across first whereas leaders value input from others and will often allow others to express their views first.
7. Managers want to be the smartest person in the room – Leaders want to move into another room!
The saying goes, “if you’re the smartest person in the room, then you’re in the wrong room” – leaders know this and like to surround themselves with people they can continue to learn from whereas managers like the position of being the authority in the room.
In summary
There are many differences between managers and leaders, and we’re not implying it’s better to be one or the other.
Managers are very good at maintaining the status-quo and staying in the defined box. Leaders can appear a little more rebellious as they like to look outside the box at the opportunities that exist there.
Of course, businesses need a mixture of managers and leaders in order to maintain balance but it’s good to recognise and understand these differences.
As an individual, if you can find balance between the best traits of a manager and the best traits of leaders, you’re putting yourself in a strong position to succeed in your journey.
What do you think? What other differences are there? Are you a manager or a leader? Let us know down in the comments.
Think Can Will 