Major Differences Between a Leader and a Manager

Success of organizations depends on the many roles played by people across different Departments. Big or small, the role played by each Employee is significant for the organization to achieve its short term and long terms goals. Two main roles that need to be played in a perfect manner and which overlap each other in terms of responsibilities are the leadershipand managerial ones. The goals of an organizational Leader and Manager are almost the same making their responsibilities overlap each other sometimes.  However, in reality there exists major difference between a Leader and a Manager. Let us have a look at the key parameters that differentiates a Leader from the Manager

1. Leaders need to be imaginative – Managers need to be specific

A good leader has the responsibility of setting vision and goals for his team. This calls for good imagination which will enable him to see where the organization will be at different points of time

A good Manager on the other hand needs to break the vision and goals set by the Leader into more specific and practically achievable ones. This will help them to walk their teams towards the ultimate vision expressed by the Leader

2. Leaders Inspire - Managers Transform

One of the main responsibilities of leaders is to set the direction in which the organization must move. When people are able to set directions with clarity, people start following them automatically.

Managers on the other hand have the responsibility of managing the complete show explaining to the workforce the necessity to transform. They must make people understand the necessity to move in the direction set by the leader

3. Leaders are associated with Vision – Managers are associated with Tenacity

A good leader is usually associated with setting up of the vision for the organization.

A good Manager, on the other hand must be tenacious enough to see through the implementation of such vision set by the Leader. Tenacity is one of the important qualities every good Manager must possess

4. Leaders think in an abstract manner – Managers need realistic data

A good Leader finds the relationship between the many kinds of information available. They foresee the patterns associated with information which on the surface appear to be totally disconnected. This abstract thinking capability of a good leader helps him provide clear cut goals for the organization to succeed.

A good Manager on the other hand believes in data on hand to arrive at conclusions. He depends on facts in hand to arrive at logical solutions or obtaining optimal results on all quarters.

5. Leaders need to articulate well – Managers need to interpret well

A good leader must be able to communicate his vision in a clear cut manner so his Managers can understand the same in the right perspective.

A good Manager at the same time must be able to interpret what is communicated by the Leader, break the same into day to day tasks and manage efficiently to achieve the vision of the Leader

6.Leaders need to focus on external affairs – Managers need to focus on internal affairs

A good Leader focuses on what is happening outside the organization so he can remain in the race. This also helps him to set lofty goals to enable the organization win over competition.

A good Manager on the other hand focuses more on the issues prevailing internally attending to the same on time before they become impediments to performance. He focuses on all areas internally to ensure that the goals set by the Leader are met.

7. Leaders sell – Managers Teach

A good Leader is responsible to sell his vision to all the internal and external stakeholders so his vision becomes a reality through the positivity permeating in the environment.

A good Manager does everything possible to make the employees equipped with the required skill sets and exposure so the selling done by the Leader has the real reach

8. Leadership is accountable for everything – Managers are accountable only to the Leader

A Leader is responsible for all the positives and negatives that happen to the team and organization. One wrong decision or guidance can make the complete business come down on kneels.

A Manager is accountable to the Leader and the team. He is not accountable to any other factor irrespective of their nature

9. Leaders must take risks – Manager must insist discipline

A good Leader will not be afraid to take risks in the course of setting up business strategies. Being afraid to take educated risks is not a good trait for a leader

A good Manager, per se, must ensure being he is disciplined. He must ensure that discipline is maintained by the entire team so that the vision or goal communicated by the Leader can be achieved.

10. Leader requires confidence at times of adversity – Manager requires absolute commitment

A good leader retains high confidence levels particularly during adverse times. He does not get bogged down but does everything to regain his composure. He feels confident about the vision and strategies set.

A good Manager is just not worried about any negative environment. He focuses completely on the tasks in hand. He handles the situation in an undaunted and realistic manner

To put it in a nutshell

• Leaders lead – Managers Manage
• Leaders have followers – Managers have professionals
• Leaders Empower – Managers exercises power
• Leaders produce change – Managers respond to change
• Leaders makes people focussed – Managers focus
• Leaders provide guidance – Managers implement
• Leaders gets responsibilities – Managers get credits
• Leaders create Heroes – Managers are considered as Heroes
• Leaders produce quality teams – Managers guide quality teams