Difference Between Leader and Manager
Leaders and managers are very similar in role responsibilities, yet have very subtle differences. Both roles are instrumental in building strong teams of employees and compliment each other as they work towards the same goals. While there are many similarities to be defined between the two roles, there are a few notable differences which can help to distinguish between a manager and a leader. I feel it is absolutely necessary to highlight these differences to my fellow employees so they understand the importance of my recent promotion from category manager to category leader. Perhaps knowing the distinctions between these two roles will help them to better understand their responsibilities as well.
"Leaders focus on the future while managers focus on the present (CTU, 2009)."
Leaders are more focused on what will happen in the future if certain actions are taken while managers focus on the present and what would help best for the moment. Managers may make a monthly schedule to handle volume in the store on any particular day while leaders look for innovative ways to better staff the store and drive business. If managers are focused on today, this week and this month, leaders look towards the next 2, 3, and 4 years. A manager might motivate his staff to make more sales calls and increase business. Leaders, on the other hand, evaluate different markets and how the sales team can reach those markets (Straker, 2009).
Managers are the rule makes and abiders. They are the government within the business which makes sure that tasks are performed on time and accurately. Rather than "stir the pot" and cause commotion, they would like to maintain a calm business environment. Managers are the employees that do as their told and rarely go against the grain. Leaders on the other hand, seize the opportunity to change things as they were to a new practice. Although, both of these authorities work differently it is important to point out that progress can not be made
"Leaders focus on the future while managers focus on the present (CTU, 2009)."
Leaders are more focused on what will happen in the future if certain actions are taken while managers focus on the present and what would help best for the moment. Managers may make a monthly schedule to handle volume in the store on any particular day while leaders look for innovative ways to better staff the store and drive business. If managers are focused on today, this week and this month, leaders look towards the next 2, 3, and 4 years. A manager might motivate his staff to make more sales calls and increase business. Leaders, on the other hand, evaluate different markets and how the sales team can reach those markets (Straker, 2009).
Managers are the rule makes and abiders. They are the government within the business which makes sure that tasks are performed on time and accurately. Rather than "stir the pot" and cause commotion, they would like to maintain a calm business environment. Managers are the employees that do as their told and rarely go against the grain. Leaders on the other hand, seize the opportunity to change things as they were to a new practice. Although, both of these authorities work differently it is important to point out that progress can not be made
References: Manning, G. and Curtis, K. (2008) The Art of Leadership. (2nd ed.) McGraw-Hill Irwin: Upper Salle River, NJ. McAdams, T., Neslund, and Zucker. (2008) Law, Business, & Society. (9th ed.) McGraw-Hill Irwin: Upper Salle River, NJ. Robbins, S. (2004) The "Pull Leadership" Manifesto. Retrieved February 23, 2009, from http://hbswk.hbs.edu/archive/4339.html Straker, D Retrieved September 4, 2010, from http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Leadership-Vs-Management/58392?topic