Are You Managing to Lead?

For many people, the terms "manager" and "leader" are synonymous. In the business world, they are often used interchangeably, i.e. "team leader", "team manager", "project manager" - you get the idea. And why not? After all, leaders and managers do basically the same thing, right?

In some instances, there do seem to be commonalities between the two and management techniques are sometimes confused with leadership traits. However, there are, I believe, some key distinctions to be made that radically separate the two.

Here then, are what I consider to be some key differences between a leader and a manager:

1. A manager administers. A leader innovates.

Managers take policies and procedures and ensure that they are carried out. Leaders are constantly challenging the "status quo" to achieve bigger and better things.

2. A manager maintains. A leader develops.

As long as things are running smoothly, the manager is typically happy. The leader is never satisfied with the "status quo" or "the way we've always done it". Leaders are constantly asking for more and bigger things - of themselves as well as those they lead.

3. Managers rely on control. Leaders inspire trust.

Managers can feel threatened by subordinates who don't seem to be "towing the line". In doing so, they create a co-dependency in the subordinates who, in turn, rely on the manager to dictate nearly every step of the process. Leaders know how to tap into the inherent strengths of those they lead and then foster those strengths to the benefit of the organization.

4. A manager has his eye only on the "bottom line". A leader has his eye on the horizon as well.

In orienteering (using a map and compass) you must set your sights on a distant object to get an accurate bearing. If you take only short-range sightings, it is much more likely you will stray far off the right course. In the same way, "bottom lining" only without also "visioning" can result in ending up at a destination you did not plan on.

5. The manager imitates. The leader originates.

While using "tried and true" methods isn't always a bad thing, someone else's methods may not be exactly right for every organization. Leaders aren't afraid to try new, and even unorthodox, methods to achieve optimum results.

6. Managers focus on product. Leaders focus on process.

While still holding to the principles of quality, productivity and efficiency, the leader is able to recognize the effort as well as the "end-product".

7. Managers need lots of positive feedback. Leaders have an innate sense of their own self-worth.

Everyone likes a "pat on the back" for a job well done. However, managers rely heavily on things like "performance reviews", "appraisals" and "kudos" from their supervisors and their subordinates to demonstrate a job well done. They also tend to rely heavily on those tools as motivators for their subordinates.

8. Managers need subordinates. Leaders strive to develop other leaders.

Leaders are always in the process of developing other leaders. Managers tend to feel very threatened when they perceive someone may be "passing them up".

9. Managers tell "what". Leaders share "why".

The manager is primarily concerned with simply giving the steps to achieve the desired result. The leader also takes the time to explain why those steps are crucial to the desired result. In doing so, the leader is also imparting his "vision" to those that help make that vision a reality.

10. Managers are more concerned with doing things right. Leaders are more concerned with doing the right thing.

Managers tend to be very "order" and "structure" oriented. Leaders have a keen sense of the "spirit of the law" and aren't afraid to "bend" the rules if it will achieve a greater good for everyone.

Copyright © 2002, Monty J. Sharp

Monty J. Sharp is an Executive Coach, communications and teambuilding consultant, corporate trainer and Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst. He, along with his partner, Laura Terrebonne, co-founded Vision to Venture, LLC, an executive coaching company dedicated to providing an interpersonal approach to high performance Executives, managers and work teams. Our highly effective and balanced approach to leadership development, teambuilding and action learning get both business related as well as human results. Visit us at http://www.VisionToVenture.com

---

Turnover is Not a Problem

"Ha!" you say. "For someone to make a statement like... Read More

Is Your Business A Dysfunctional Family?

The other day I brought my mother into an appliance... Read More

Creating A Vision ? Bringing Your Dreams Into Reality

Do you have some goals you want to achieve or... Read More

Too Much Time Treating Symptoms

A man drives down the highway each day on his... Read More

Innovation Management ? the power of decision makers

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

What Makes a Crisis a Crisis?

If you're old enough and were living in America about... Read More

3 Keys to Being a Fearless Executive

In my work with business executives, I have come to... Read More

Tales from the Corporate Frontlines: Human Resources at Work

This article relates to the Human Resource Functions competency, commonly... Read More

How to use NLP for Business?

What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming?Neuro-Linguistic programme is nothing but the study... Read More

Employee Motivation: It?s More Than A Paycheck

Managers often ask, usually with exasperation, "How can I keep... Read More

Creative People, Innovative People

The title implies that some people are and others not.This... Read More

Tales From the Corporate Frontlines: An Unexpected Benefit

This article relates to the Compensation and Benefits competency, commonly... Read More

Avoid Outsourcing Pitfalls in the Injection Molds and Stamping Dies Markets

When looking to outsource overseas for Plastic Injection Molds or... Read More

Just The Facts

Attitudes are more important than facts. Dr. Karl Menninger... Read More

The Top 5 Signals That Your Business Is Running You

Starting your own business is a great undertaking but running... Read More

Innovation Management ? Selecting Good Ideas

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

The Seven Cs: Partnership Danger Signs - Conflict Becoming the Norm ? Part 1

A series of articles exploring the seven critical areas that... Read More

Managing People - Why Is It So Difficult?

Managing, supervising, being a team leader is the hardest job... Read More

Time for Change - Clearing the First Hurdle

"Here is Edward Bear, coming downstairs now, bump, bump, bump... Read More

The Cheapest, Forget It !

Wouldn't it be great if we got get the cheapest... Read More

The Top Three Problems IT Managers Face and How to Overcome Them

Todays business environment has changed drastically from just a few... Read More

Creativity and Innovation Management ? Idea Progression

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Thoughts on Empowerment

People are empowered when they are given the authority and... Read More

Knowledge Mapping

This module focuses on the basics of Knowledge Mapping, its... Read More

Project Management - Its Just A Button

I once worked with a developer who showed up at... Read More

Innovation Management ? the Root of the Problem

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Think Twice Before Selling ROI

When we're selling to business people, our value proposition has... Read More

How To Get 10% More Work Out Of Your Employees

It is getting harder to run a business for a... Read More

Islam in the Workplace

Suggested practice for HR personnelMuslims now form one of the... Read More

Boost Your Leadership Skills Simply By Answering The Question, What Does Our Organization Really...

The difference between leaders is ears. Good leaders not only... Read More

Plans & Goal Setting - Kicking winning Goals

Kicking Winning Business Goals The competition for business... Read More

4 Steps to Success In Life, Business, The Universe And Everything

Everyone wants to succeed in life. And no one starts... Read More

Understand What Flows Through Your Business to Find Improvement

I remember once seeing a cartoon which showed two people... Read More