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
Latest News
Lehman Deal Spins Off Part of Private Equity Unit Into Independent ... New York Times, United States - Under the deal, the private equity firm’s current management, led by Charles Ayres, will purchase the firm’s most recent fund — a $3.3 billion pool of ... Lehman Said to Weigh Sale of Merchant-Banking Fund to Managers Lehman deal on private equity close: source Lehman to spin out private equity arm: WSJ |
 Seattle Post Intelligencer | Wal-Mart disappoints analysts, Walgreen chops management team Bizjournals.com, NC - (NYSE:WAG) announced plans to offer early retirement and severance programs to some 1000 corporate and field management employees, or 9 percent of those ... Retailers report dismal December sales Wal-Mart’s Bleak December May Herald More Pain in ‘09 |
Information Builders Partners With Tagetik to Deliver Corporate ... MSNBC - "Customers often require two solutions, an executive dashboard and an operational system to manage their performance management requirements," said Gerald ... |
 News Channel 7 | Walgreen will cut 1000 management jobs in 2009 The Associated Press - NEW YORK (AP) — Drugstore operator Walgreen Co. said Thursday it will cut 1000 jobs by mid-year, or about 9 percent of corporate management, through a ... Walgreen to cut about 1000 corporate and field management jobs Walgreens Announces Reduction in Corporate and Field Management ... Walgreens to cut 1000 salaried posts |
Z-Wave Alliance Showcases Brand-New Energy Management, Home ... MSNBC - Alliance member companies will showcase for the first time new, affordable energy management, home security and home control solutions in the Alliance booth ... |
Uptown men's shelter will stay open under new management Chicago Tribune, United States - Johnson declined to elaborate on the funding and management changes, but said, "We are very satisfied with the outcome of what has happened. ... |
Brookfield Asset Management 2008 Year End Conference Call ... MSNBC - You are invited to participate in Brookfield Asset Management's 2008 Year End Conference Call & Webcast on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 11:00 am (ET) to ... Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP 2008 Year End Conference ... |
Gary Berntsen Thinks CIA Needs 'Leadership Not Management' FOXNews - CIA COVERT OFFICER : Actually, we need leadership, not management at CIA. That person who's going to be in charge of CIA is in charge of our fight, ... Video: Analyst Weighs in on Obama's CIA Pick Obama's intel picks short on direct experience Obama Is Under Fire Over Panetta Selection |
Search Engine Optimization Inc. Announces New Addition to Senior ... MSNBC - "We are very fortunate to have Ed join our senior management team," said Garry Grant, CEO of SEO Inc. "Ed has the ideal blend of leadership, ... |
 New York Times | Microsoft Touts Power Management in Windows 7 Redmond Channel Partner, CA - Improved power management got briefly mentioned among the expected benefits of Windows 7 on Wednesday at the Consumer Electronics Show. ... Hacking Windows 7 beta problems Microsoft releases Windows Server 2008 R2 beta |
Resources
-
AdWords | Google AdWords | 21 Ways to Maximize ROI by Andrew Goodman
Get the original Google AdWords handbook by Andrew Goodman. This 155-page e-book is packed with advanced tips to help you maximize your AdWords campaigns. Download and get free December 2005 update.
-
Reservation software for Hotels, Motels, Bed and breakfast
Reservation software for Hotels, Motels, Bed and breakfast
-
Restaurant Checklists: restaurant menu design, cafe training, business plans, restaurant marketing a
Full package of restaurant information including restaurant menu design, training, restaurant business plans, restaurant marketing and Management forms and templates
-
Castlemelody.com: Web design and creative design of graphics
Web design with content Management system for dynamic and flexible websites.
-
...MySoftwareTemplates.com high-quality Microsoft Word templates for Software
Development, Proposal
Write successful Proposals, White Papers, Case Studies with slick templates, checklist and forms.
-
Living Within Your Means - The Easy Way!
"
-
PARENTING TOOLS to design the family of your dreams! What does your dream family look like?
Powerful tools for parenting, anger Management, and creative blocks!
-
Productivity. Improve business productivity through work measurement and method study.
Set of resources to improve worker, workplace and office productivity. Learn to measure productivity, calculate a productivity index and construct a total factor productivity index. Resources include team productivity and employee productivity.
-
Construction Information Services - Construction Management
Construction Information Services include Construction Management ebooks - Construction Software - Articles - Firm directories - Forecasting and Trends of the building industry
-
Landlord Property Management Rental Guide
Looking to manage your own rental property? Use our beginners guide for landlords and rental property investors!