Leader VS Manager: Key Differences You Need To Know

We are all leaders and managers in some way. These roles interchange even daily depending on the tasks people are on. But why do most people cope with these roles very differently? Some are excellent managers but their leadership qualities are too far from great. At the same time, there are inspiring and motivating leaders who can’t even manage their own schedules.

The question is what makes a person a leader? And how do managers differ from leaders and why? These and similar questions arise when you think about self-development, the skills, and traits you have to develop as a leader. Being a good manager is easy when you are a true leader, while the opposite may not be attainable.

“You see managers and leaders every day. You may not recognize each role because the difference is not that significant on the surface”, - says Adam Whitney, creative director at portrait retouching service.

A CEO of a large multinational company may seem to you as an impeccable leader. But the details always matter. You should find out more about managers and leaders to distinguish between them.

Who is a Manager?

Anyone could be a manager. If you manage something in a local grocery store your family owns - congratulations, you’re a manager! This term applies to a variety of occupations. It can be a cleaning manager (a janitor, for instance) in your favorite diner or an experienced CEO of a bank nearby. Both positions presume administration, maintenance, and focus on processes. The difference is in the level of responsibility.

The manager is a title. It is a position. Managers organize processes to make an organization succeed. The main focus of any manager is the maintenance of a working structure but not employees. The definition of management is what people should do rather than how they should do it.

One of the best leader vs manager difference examples is the approach to people. Managers see employees as effective instruments to get a job done. Leaders focus on the environment and human interactions. Managers are goal-centered, while leaders are people-oriented.

What is the main manager and leader difference? Managers are good decision-makers but rarely capable of envisioning things to come. They are excellent executives who are always ready to follow orders. Leaders are visionaries who give these orders.

Who is a Leader?

Leadership is what most people heard about but only a few know what this is. The synonym of leadership is responsibility. It is the readiness to accept any results of your decisions if you are a true leader. Managers have procedures and instructions about most situations they have to manage. In comparison with the last ones, leaders don’t have such a privilege. So, manager and leader traits are very different in most cases.

Undisputable Traits a Leader Should Have

Leaders are always determined. They focus on what they must do and follow this path with no excuses. If you want to become a true leader, you should develop this trait. There is no other way.

Leaders are always responsible for what they do and say. You’re either responsible or not if leadership traits are what you are after. Being harsh to others, though, is now what great leaders do. You need to learn empathy as well.

Leaders have positive thinking. They are always open-minded even if the world around them is against it. Being positive when you’re torn apart by hardships of life is not easy and you should keep this in mind. But true leaders do it somehow, so should you if you want to be like them.

If you want to know more about a leader's traits, read the following post.

Leadership Skills of a True Leader

Leaders set goals right. If they don’t, they accept that they were wrong and reset the goals. This cycle is endless so for some people it could be a difficult one. Yet, you must be ready that what you do is not what you should do.

Leaders are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. The ability to critically assess one's own capacity is what distinguishes leaders from regular people. A true leader is not falsely modest but overestimating one's abilities is not an option. You are what you do rather than say.

Leaders are great listeners. You can’t be a leader if you don’t know your followers. Building relationships with people is the most powerful skill of any genuine leader. You should learn to think about people first, their needs, and issues if your goal is true leadership.

Read more about leadership skills a true leader should have.

Get to Know the Key Difference Between a Leader and a Manager

Managers are doers, while leaders are thinkers. Keep it in mind on the road to true leadership. Yet, it should not confuse you because leaders usually see what they must do to achieve the goals. Managers ask leaders about it. Becoming a leader is not an easy task, but if you are on it, nothing should ever stop you. Building a trustworthy environment is one of the most powerful skills of a true leader.

Author Bio:

Nancy P. Howard has been working as a journalist at the online magazine in London for a year. She is also a professional writer in such topics as blogging, SEO and marketing.