What's the Difference Between Leadership and Management?
What are the traits of leaders and managers - and how do they work together?
- A leader has their eye on the horizon and a manager has their eye on the bottom line! As a leader you need to have the vision to know where you are, where you want to go and how to engage your team. Without this a manager cannot work with the team to execute the plan. The leader plans general goals and the direction for the business and the manager focuses on the specifics.
- A leader keeps the team inspired to push through to the next level and ensuring that everyone understands their role in the bigger picture. This allows the manager to control day-to-day work strategies, anticipate needs and review resources.
- A manager asks how and when. The leader asks what and why. A manager maintains control and order and a leader develops an environment for change.
- A leader has the ability to challenge the status quo and to do things differently – to think outside the box. This enables a manager to ensure that the processes and systems in place are the most effective and efficient.
- The leader focuses on people, the manager focuses on the system and processes.
- A leader has great communication skills, with the ability to keep the team informed of the progress, where you are, where you are heading and any speed bumps expected along the way. A great manager needs to look after the team, listen to their needs and involve them in the process.
- Managers do things right, leaders do the right thing. Managers focus on rules, compliance and tasks and ensuring things are done right, on time and on budget. Leaders focus on purpose, principles and people... in other words doing the right thing.
Power to you!
Stefan Kazakis
CEO, Business Benchmark Group
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