The Key Difference Between Managers & Leaders
It’s All About the People
“Leader” is a word bandied about within corporates without much explanation.
One minute the company communications talk about managers, supervisors, and department heads. Next, leaders make an appearance without any explanation, leaving people confused.
Who are these leaders? Isn’t that the CEO? Or the Operations Manager who has a team of hundreds?
What is a leader anyway?
Whenever I’ve delivered leadership training, the first thing I’ve had to do is to explain what leaders are. The second is to tell people that you are a leader.
Anyone who has people reporting to them is a leader.
Leading hands, foremen, team leaders, supervisors, 2ICs, assistant managers, and managers are all leaders.
Can you be a leader without direct reports?
Yes, of course. If you influence others, you are a leader.
People in roles such as HR, H&S, or finance professionals always influence and guide others, so they are leaders.
The difference between leaders & managers
Historically, managers get the job done.
Managers build the widgets, or they sell the widgets.
Managers ensure that the bus leaves on time and that there is a driver on each bus.
Leaders do all this too, but they also:
- Inspire their teams
- Onboard, train, motivate, and reward their team
- Give feedback and coach
- Mentor and set a good example.
- Set clear expectations & goals
- Clear roadblocks so their team can produce results
- Back their team
- Act with integrity
- Organize team meetings, team building activities and hold one-to-ones
- Communicate the company goals and initiatives
Summary
Managers get things done and are transactional.
Leaders get things done and spend time developing, growing, and supporting their teams.
Managing is all about the tasks. Leadership is all about the people.
Thanks for reading, and have a good day :-)
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