At first, it might seem that the terms “manager” and “leader” are synonymous. But that is not always the case. Although managers are usually good at what they do, there are differences between management and leadership. For instance, while management focuses more on how individuals approach their positions, leadership tends to be more about how they interact with their team members. Here are a few key differences between managers and leaders.
Team Perception
Leaders and managers react differently when it comes to giving out awards or reprimanding their subordinates. For instance, some managers consider themselves more valuable than their workers.
Unlike managers, leaders tend to see themselves as part of a team. They make sure that everyone knows how much effort they put into a project, and they take responsibility when things go wrong. Leaders also tend to avoid anger and establish connections with their subordinates, which are very important.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities fall under the leadership or management of individuals. But, the way they delegate these responsibilities can affect how their workers perceive them. Leaders set an example for their subordinates and ensure they understand their efforts’ importance. They don’t force their workers to do anything. Instead, they explain the value of various tasks to make their workers aware of their importance.
Values
The goal of an organization is to improve its financial performance, but there is no single right way to achieve this. Focusing on results is not only short-sighted, but it can also be misleading. Without providing guidance, employees might perform poorly. This behavior suggests that the manager doesn’t value the employee’s talents or efforts. For instance, this manager only focuses on finishing a project quickly. This attitude can eventually lead to the organization’s downfall.
Rather than focusing on results, leaders tend to focus on the organization’s long-term success. They believe that the only way to achieve this is to remain consistent. Leaders also encourage their subordinates to develop their skills daily.
Business Views
No company wants to be known as good enough. However, if an organization has a leader capable of leading, it can achieve its goals. The difference between leadership and simple management is how the head of the organization views success.