Key Difference between a Manager and a Leader

To understand the difference between a Manager and a Leader, you need to understand what these entities entails in terms of definition. Basically, Leaders and managers are two different terms that mostly coincides in terms of action. Leaders don’t require any managerial position to act as a leader. On the other hand, a manager can be a true manager only if they got the traits of leader in him.

A manager has to perform all five functions to achieve goals, i.e., Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, and Controlling. Leadership is a part of these functions. Leadership as a general term is not related to manager-ship. A person can be a leader by virtue of qualities in him. For example: leader of a club, class, welfare association, social organization, etc. Therefore, it is true to say that, “All managers are leaders, but all leaders are not managers.”

To understand the true essence of leaders and managers, we need to classify both in terms of action like who does what in different situations.

Managers administer 

Leaders innovate

Managers demand 

Leaders command

Managers maintain 

Leaders develop

Managers focus on systems

Leaders focus on people

Managers strive for control 

Leaders inspire trust

Managers have short-term view 

Leaders have a long-term goal

Managers are focused on the bottom line 

Leaders are focused on potential

Managers imitate 

Leaders originate

Managers do things right

Leaders do the right thing

Managers state their position 

Leaders earn their position

Last but not the least, the leader is one who influences the behavior and work of others in group efforts towards achievement of specified goals in a given situation. On the other hand, manager can be a true manager only if he has got traits of leader in him. Manager at all levels are expected to be the leaders of work groups so that subordinates willingly carry instructions and accept their guidance. A person can be a leader by virtue of all qualities in him.

These are my own viewpoints, if you don't agree and want to add your interest within the line then tell me via comment as this Manager Vs. Leader is the all time favorite debate within business leadership so add your input to make it more vivid for interested readers.

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