LEADER OR MANAGER

What is the best explanation of what makes an individual a leader? This question cuts to the core of all that is written and discussed concerning the topic of leader and leadership. From the onset it is important to mention the terms leader and leadership to be synonymous. The leader in any context is the person that inspires and motivates others to join with him or her in fulfilling a compelling worthwhile vision. In a real sense, a leader is an individual who functions within in an organizational setting for the express purpose of moving the organization forward to achieve strategic objectives.

A leader possesses a compelling vision, and is able to communicate the vision and inspire others to fulfill the vision. In this sense, a leader understands reality and holds a clear vision of where the organization is headed along with developing a strategy to reach the new destination.

What distinguishes a leader from a manager? With the understanding that managers are primarily concerned with budgets, processes, procedures, performance measures and outcomes; leaders are concerned with organizational direction and destination. In essence, leaders are focused upon where the organization should head, defining the destination, and developing a strategy to arrive at the new destination. Leaders are change agents, in that, they are concerned with determining direction which always includes change in order to reach new horizons. Leaders not only set the vision they inspire others to reach the vision through a process of redefining priorities, modifying behaviors and re-aligning organizational structure.

Leadership involves defining reality, defining a preferred future and creating a strategy to get from current reality to a preferred future. It is moving a group or organization from "Here" to "There." This means change must occur and leaders are people who are able to help groups and organizations make required change.