In many businesses and organizations there are two distinct classes of people – leaders and managers. Quite often these two terms are used interchangeably, however, these two types could not be further apart from each other. Often those that aspire to managerial positions or status, do so for the perceived power that they have over other people. While at times there is a benefit to having a manager over a leader – more often than not you want to be a leader.
I am highly opposed to manager mentality and structure as I believe it creates difficult work environments. I believe people can be happier and more productive under a true leader.
The REAL Difference Between Managers & Leaders
A manager is a formal title that can be given – a leader is a title that others give you.
The Differences Between Leadership & Management
Managers Demand Respect – Leaders Command Respect
When you are with a group of people it will immediately become apparent those who are managers and those who are leaders. When managers ask or tell people to do something the people do it because of the structure that has been set in place. Leaders will tell or ask people to do something and they do it out of respect. Many times you will find that leaders will have people doing things that they never asked them to do and going above and beyond what is asked.
Managers Have Subordinates – Leaders Have Followers
When it comes to accomplishing a task, a manager tells those under them what to do – whether they like it or not. Leaders have people that are willing and happy to do something (even if they don’t like the task) because of the respect that they have for the leader.
Managers tend to have a different mindset as well thinking that those beneath them are actually inferior. Leaders, on the other hand, tend to rise to the top and are viewed by others as the person in charge – whether they have an official title or not.
Leaders create an aura of “we’re all in this together” while managers have a “you need to do this” mentality.
What are the differences
After checking out several other articles (that are referenced at the end of this article) there are several ways in which leaders and managers differ:
- Managers administer – Leaders innovate
- Managers demand – Leaders command
- Managers maintain – Leaders develop
- Managers focus on systems – Leaders focus on people
- Managers strives for control – Leaders inspire trust
- Managers have short-term view – Leaders have a long-term goal
- Managers are focused on the bottom line – Leaders are focused on potential
- Managers imitate – Leaders originate
- Managers do things right – Leaders do the right thing
- Managers state their title – Leaders earn it from others
A Shift of Thinking
The terrible thing is that the vast majority of managers out there actually think that they are leaders, when in fact, they command little to no respect and they are a leader in their mind only.
True leaders will upset people sometimes, but they still have those that will stick by their side. When a manager truly needs help outside of the scope of their duties, few (if any) will stand up to assist.
What are you, a leader or a manager?
Related Articles & Resources
- Leaders vs. Managers… Are they really different?
- What is the difference between management & leadership?
