Difference Between Leader and Manager Essay

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. I feel it is absolutely necessary to highlight these differences to my fellow employees so they understand the importance of my recent promotion from category manager to category leader.

Perhaps knowing the distinctions between these two roles will help them to better understand their responsibilities as well. “Leaders focus on the future while managers focus on the present (CTU, 2009). ” 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.

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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 makes 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 their told and rarely go against the grain. 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 sides. Leadership can not push through the boundaries is there is no order set by management (Kotelnikov, 2001). “Leaders create a culture based on shared values while managers implement policies and procedures (CTU). “

Leaders must learn to draw from the creativity of those within their team to create policies and procedures that will help to improve the culture of the organization. Seeking to improve the social and productivity of the employees, leaders move towards practices that will help acclimate professionals to the business more quickly and easily; hence making it a more feasible working environment. Managers simply implement policies to get the job done. It’s the easiest way to get from point A to point B. Leaders are more innovative in developing these practices. Leaders establish an emotional link with followers while managers remain aloof to maintain objectivity (CTU). ” Leaders tend to be more emotionally invested in their business and their work because they feel it is necessary to lead by example and retain a following. In this respect, building a repore with employees to complete activities ethically and sufficiently is important. Leading those to follow in the right direction is the main focus of leadership. This can be referred to as pull leadership. Inspiring employees and others to obey rules without ordering them is a highly effective form of leadership.

If employees feel they are being forced to do something they do not feel comfortable with or are unfamiliar with, it is more likely that there will be resistance. Pull leadership allows the employee to follow at their own pace and will (Robbins, 2004). There are three different motives used for leadership: power, achievement, and affiliation. The power to have influence over another person is appealing to both managers and leaders. While managers might use their power to tell their employees what to do and when, leaders use their power to motivate and stimulate the minds of their employees.

They do not need the role to have their power over other individuals. Other individuals use the role for achievement of value. While managers might accept positions to advance their careers, it is more about personal advancement than business growth. Leaders strive to achieve the next level for their department and for the recognition of achievement. Finally, affiliation is the sincere interest of aiding employees. Leaders accept their responsibilities with a true commitment to their employees in helping them to expand their abilities and become better employees (Manning & Curtis, p. 5). According to the 1955 Harvard Business Review (Manning & Curtis), the effectiveness of any administrative position is dependant on their knowledge and skills associated with solving problems. There are three types of skills used to identify characteristics: technical, relational, and conceptual. The first type includes job knowledge and expertise. Relational skills specify how the manager or leader deals with people. Finally, conceptual skills are associated with how an individual is able to work with ideas and abstract concepts.

The first two skill sets are extremely important to any manager or leadership position. Excellence in the third skill set, shows more leadership qualities as they plan towards the future, make ethical considerations, and innovate new policies and procedures (Manning & Curtis, 2008, pp. 268-269). In conclusion, the title of leader merely denotes a person who is expected to lead individuals. Depending on experience and capabilities, a manager can sometimes be a better leader than the one titled as a leader. Leaders are merely individuals who have the power to motivate others.

As a Category Leader, this person can assume the role of manager at points and a leader at other times. The extent of leadership one feels towards their employees or followers is based on the style which they exert. References: CTU Online. (Ed. ). (ca. 2008). Phase 1 Course Material [multimedia presentation]. Colorado Springs, CO: CTU Online. Retrieved February 16, 2009, from CTU Online, Virtual Campus, INTD670 – Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making: 0901B-04. Website: https://campus. ctuonline. edu/MainFrame. aspx? ContentFrame=/Classroom/course. spx? Class=23719&tid=39 Kotelnikov, V. (2001) Leadership vs. Management. Retrieved February 23, 2009, from http://www. 1000ventures. com/business_guide/crosscuttings/leadership_vs_mgmt. html Manning, G. and Curtis, K. (2008) The Art of Leadership. (2nd ed. ) McGraw-Hill Irwin: Upper Salle River, NJ. McAdams, T. , Neslund, and Zucker. (2008) Law, Business, & Society. (9th ed. ) McGraw-Hill Irwin: Upper Salle River, NJ. Robbins, S. (2004) The “Pull Leadership” Manifesto. Retrieved February 23, 2009, from http://hbswk. hbs. edu/archive/4339. tml Straker, D. (2009) Changing Minds: Leadership vs. Management. Retrieved February 21, 2009, from http://changingminds. org/disciplines/leadership/articles/manager_leader. htm Leadership vs. Management Much has been written about the difference between management and leadership. In the past, competent management staffs ran effective companies. In light of our ever-changing world, however, most companies have come to realize that it is much more important to lead than to manage. In today’s world the old ways of management no longer work.

One reason is that the degree of environmental and competitive change we are experiencing is extreme. Although exciting, the world is also very unstable and confused. In an article entitled What’s the Difference between Your Hospital and the Other? Gary Campbell states that the difference between a manager and a leader is that the manager “finds himself quite willing to take risk, but seemingly afraid to take the risk of being different. ” That being true, a manager will always be reactive instead of proactive. A true leader will be proactive.

He will embrace change and will look for ways to differentiate himself and his company from the competition. Warren Bennis ? a popular writer of leadership resources ? defines the difference between managers and leaders by using the following contrasts: 1. The manager administers; the leader innovates. 2. The manager maintains; the leader develops. 3. The manager accepts reality; the leader investigates it. 4. The manager focuses on systems and structures; the leader focuses on people. 5. The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust. 6.

The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range perspective. 7. The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why. 8. The manager has his or her eye always on the bottom line; the leader has his or her eye on the horizon. 9. The manager imitates; the leader originates. 10. The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it. 11. The manager is the classic good soldier; the leader is his or her own person…. Retrieved September 4, 2010, from http://www. oppapers. com/essays/Leadership-Vs-Management/58392? topic

Leadership And Management Leadership and management are two notions that are often used interchangeably. However, these words actually describe two different concepts. The following report will discuss the differences and examine the roles and responsibilities of leaders in creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture. What is leadership, and what is the difference between leadership and management? ? Leadership is setting a new direction or vision for a group that they follow, i. e. a leader is the spearhead for that new direction ?

Management controls or directs people and or resources in a group according to principles or values that have already been established The difference between leadership and management can be best illustrated by considering what happens when you have one without the other? Leadership without management: Sets a direction or vision that others follow, without considering too much on how the new direction is going to be achieved. Other people then have to work hard in the trail that is left behind, picking up the pieces and making it work. For example, a CEO rescues the company from going out of business by deciding to restructure and expand he business into other markets and forums such as the internet. Although the CEO had the vision to take the company into a new direction, most of the management of the group and details is done by or comes from others. Management without leadership: Controls resources to maintain the status quo or ensure things happen according to already-established plans. For example, a referee manages a sports game, but does not usually provide “leadership” because there is no new change, no new direction – the referee is controlling resources to ensure that the laws of the game are followed and status quo is maintained.

Leaders play a substantial role and responsibility in creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture. A leader’s role should be, but not limited to the following: ? Set the directions and… Leadership And Management Leadership and management are two notions that are often used interchangeably. However, these words actually describe two different concepts. The following report will discuss the differences and examine the roles and responsibilities of leaders in creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture. What is leadership, and what is the difference between leadership and management? Leadership is setting a new direction or vision for a group that they follow, i. e. a leader is the spearhead for that new direction ? Management controls or directs people and or resources in a group according to principles or values that have already been established The difference between leadership and management can be best illustrated by considering what happens when you have one without the other? Leadership without management: Sets a direction or vision that others follow, without considering too much on how the new direction is going to be achieved.

Other people then have to work hard in the trail that is left behind, picking up the pieces and making it work. For example, a CEO rescues the company from going out of business by deciding to restructure and expand the business into other markets and forums such as the internet. Although the CEO had the vision to take the company into a new direction, most of the management of the group and details is done by or comes from others. Management without leadership: Controls resources to maintain the status quo or ensure things happen according to already-established plans.

For example, a referee manages a sports game, but does not usually provide “leadership” because there is no new change, no new direction – the referee is controlling resources to ensure that the laws of the game are followed and status quo is maintained. Leaders play a substantial role and responsibility in creating and maintaining a healthy organizational culture. A leader’s role should be, but not limited to the following: ? Set the directions and… http://www. oppapers. com/essays/Leadership-Management/136602? opic Leadership Vs Management Is there a difference between leadership and management” Certainly there is even though they are sometimes interchanged. There is a fine line between the two, and confusing them can cause an organization to fail. It is important to understand the differences to be successful. The definition of leadership is “an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction” (Dictionary. com, 2008). Leaders are charismatic and easy to like, and they tend to act on their emotions (Turk, 2007).

Leaders get things done and they make new rules instead of following them. Leaders learn from their failures, and can admit when they are wrong. A leader thanks the people they work with and make sure everyone feels appreciated (Marino, 1999). Leaders have they own ways to get people to listen and follow. They ask people to do things and show them how to get them done. A leader also uses the word “we” instead of “I” (Nation, 2006). Leaders also build teams so everyone feels included and important (Brown, 1987).

Someone who leads can communicate well and provide easy to understand goals. They treat everyone equal. All these things can cause a leader to have very high goals for their organization or group (Hill, 1989). A leader is usually a “people person” and they try to get information from everyone in the group. By listening and using these ideas, a leader gets people to follow and ,more importantly, included (Turk, 2007). Someone in a leadership position will also have high ethics and treat everyone well, which cause strong loyalty.

A leader rewards people for doing a good job. Leaders look for continues growth and have a “strong sense of integrity” (Hill, 1989). Leaders believe that doing well is not doing well enough. They also look to motivate people to achieve their goals and do even more (May, 2002). Gandhi said “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles, but today it means getting along with people,” (Turk, 2007). Leadership is about taking an… http://www. oppapers. com/essays/Leadership-Vs-Management/158010? topic

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