Differences Between a Leader and a Manager

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Distinction between leadership and management has for long been an interesting subject matter for academicians and industrialists alike. The distinction between the two is a useful one, in that it helps us gain a better understanding of leadership and causes us to reflect on our own behaviour, asking ourselves, whether one is really leading or managing. So what are the differences between managers and leaders?

2.2 DEFINITION

"There is a profound difference between management and leadership, and both are important. To manage means to bring about, to accomplish, to have charge of or responsibility for, and to conduct. Leading is influencing, guiding in a direction, course of action and opinion. The distinction is crucial" – Warren Bennis

Leadership and management are not the same thing but they are necessarily linked, and complementary. Leadership and management must go hand in hand. Any effort to separate the two is likely to cause more problems than it solves. The differences in leadership and management have been widely acknowledged but the matter of debate is about the overlap between the two and how these important organizational elements help in driving the business both now and in the future. Is Leadership an important managerial role or management an important leadership role? In spite of efforts made to understand leadership as distinct from management, leadership is also studied as an essential element of management along with planning, organizing, staffing and controlling.

2.3 Major Differences Between Leaders and Managers

Leaders and managers are very similar in role responsibilities, yet have very subtle differences. Both roles are instrumental in building strong teams of employees and compliment each other as they work towards the same goals. While there are many similarities to be defined between the two roles, there are a few notable differences which can help to distinguish between a manager and a leader.

It is absolutely necessary to highlight these differences to employees. Perhaps knowing the distinctions between these two roles will help them to better understand their responsibilities as well

The manager's job is to plan, organize and coordinate. The leader's job is to inspire and motivate.

Leaders are more focused on what will happen in the future if certain actions are taken while managers focus on the present and what would help best for the moment. Managers may make a monthly schedule to handle volume in the store on any particular day while leaders look for innovative ways to better staff the store and drive business. If managers are focused on today, this week and this month, leaders look towards the next 2, 3, and 4 years.

A manager might motivate his staff to make more sales, calls and increase business. Leaders, on the other hand, evaluate different markets and how the sales team can reach those markets (Straker, 2009).

Managers are the rule makers and abiders. They are the government within the business which makes sure that tasks are performed on time and accurately. Rather than "stir the pot" and cause commotion, they would like to maintain a calm business environment. Managers are the employees that do as they are told and rarely go against the organisation. Leaders on the other hand, seize the opportunity to change things as they were to a new practice. Although, both of these authorities work differently it is important to point out that progress can not be made without both of them.

Managers emphasize rationality and control; are problem-solvers (focusing on goals, resources, organization structures, or people); often ask question, "What problems have to be solved, and what are the best ways to achieve results so that people will continue to contribute to this organization?"; are persistent, tough-minded, hard working, intelligent, analytical, tolerant and have goodwill toward others.Leaders Perceived as brilliant, but sometimes lonely; achieve control of themselves before they try to control others; can visualize a purpose and generate value in work; are imaginative, passionate, non-conforming risk-takers.

Managers and leaders have very different attitudes toward goals.

Managers adopt impersonal, almost passive, attitudes toward goals; decide upon goals based on necessity instead of desire and are therefore deeply tied to their organization's culture; tend to be reactive since they focus on current information.

Leaders tend to be active since they envision and promote their ideas instead of reacting to current situations; shape ideas instead of responding to them; have a personal orientation toward goals; provide