Understanding the Distinction Between Managers and Leaders in Organizational Dynamics

Hi all,

Well, like me, probably some others may also have queries in understanding the difference between managers and leaders. There are business leaders, and there are business managers. While some leaders are managers and some managers are leaders, many times leaders and managers are very different.

It may be that leaders can be good managers because of their visionary approach to situations. On the other hand, even managers can be good leaders as managers are concerned with the problem at hand; they focus on what has to be done. Leaders, on the other hand, notice what has to be done but spend their time figuring out how to get it done.

I would request all to post and share your point of view on this.

Thanks & Regards,
Anusha S.

Hi Anusha,

There is a difference between managers and leaders in virtually every aspect of their personality. Actually, both managers and leaders are equally necessary for the overall development of an organization. Any team composition must have a healthy mix of leaders and managers, which will ensure that their complementary strengths work in the greater interest of the organization. The key characteristics may be the following:

1. Leaders focus on managing people, while managers are managing work.
2. Leaders have followers, managers have subordinates.
3. Leaders seek vision, managers seek objectives.
4. Leaders are proactive, managers are reactive.
5. Leaders try to run with a new road, while managers like the existing road.
6. Leaders always give credit to others; on the other hand, managers love to take credit.
7. Leaders' power is their personal charisma, while managers' power is orthodox management authority.
8. Leaders are always ready to take risks, but managers like to minimize them.
9. They have different styles as well. Leaders are Transformational, managers are Transactional.

Those are a few points that may be enough to distinguish between leaders and managers. Thanks for your posting.

Asad

Hi,

Thank you for the reply. I also want to ask whether a manager can be a good leader and vice versa.

Regards,
Anusha

Majority of leaders can be good managers. However, not all managers may be great leaders. Today, most companies primarily transform a leader into a manager. It's difficult for managers to become great leaders.

I do agree with Roma. A manager can be a leader if he/she can adopt all leadership traits. However, this is really difficult for a manager because, from my point of view, a leader is born, not made.

Asad

I agree with Mr. Asad. He has described the difference in leaders and managers in the right perspective.

Dr. C V Ambilwade

Hi Guys,

I liked the post. However, I'm not totally convinced with the idea. The differentiation between a manager and a leader is too subjective. Let's take an example: One day, an employee informs the manager before the shift that they are unwell. Now, what the manager does as the next step to address this problem will determine whether they are a manager or a leader. A manager would ideally speak to their supervisor about the leave, which is the first step. If the manager is a good leader, they will address the problem by potentially delegating the responsibility among other available team members to ensure that the business is not adversely affected and the work is completed within the timeline. I understand that managing the work is what is expected of a manager. However, how they handle it, such as calling a team meeting, discussing the problem, outlining an action plan, and most importantly, acknowledging the team's efforts by making an announcement on the floor, clapping, and giving praise with a "GOOD JOB, GUYS," is what distinguishes them as a leader. A leader is generally focused on results and may prioritize getting the job done at any cost. Therefore, not every leader is necessarily a good manager. At the same time, it's important to note that the relationship is reciprocal.

Whether leaders are born or made remains a big question. Both arguments have plenty of examples to support them. It's acceptable to believe that leaders are made, but it would be inaccurate to claim that "leaders are not made."

Satya

Every organization needs leaders and managers. If all managers become leaders, then what will happen? One leader is enough for an organization. :)