Leader or Manager: Which One are You?

Knowing the difference is vital to developing yourself into the leader you want to be.

If you want to raise your leadership game, it is important to know the difference between a leader and a manager. ?We often confuse the two, and many of us use the terms interchangeably.

Both are critical to an organisation’s success.

Leadership has little to do with your badge, title, level, or pay. It is more about your mindset, your priorities, your relationship with others, and how you spend your time.

We’ve all experienced c-suite leaders who think they are leadership material, but simply perform as high-level supervisors.

They’ve missed their leadership calling!

Leadership versus Management

Here’s a helpful definition of leadership and management that we use with clients.

• Leadership is: The ability to INSPIRE OTHERS to REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS.
• Management is: The ability to SUPERVISE others to GOALS, TIMELINES, AND DELIVERABLES.

Notice the difference in word choices. The difference in emphasis.

Leadership without management creates free-fall. Management without leadership creates stagnation.

The following table will help you determine whether you operate mostly in “leader mode” or “manager mode" in certain dimensions.

As you proceed through the table, ask yourself the following question as you contemplate the differences:

“To what degree do I have the mindsets and behaviours of a leader versus a manager?”

Three of my favorite sages provide additional clarity into the differences between leadership and management.

• Stephen R Covey: “Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success. Leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.”
• Steve Jobs: “Management is about persuading people to do things they do not want to do. Leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could.”
• Peter Drucker: “Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things.”

The World Needs More Leaders

Knowing what true leadership is will allow you to put focused effort into developing into the leader you want to be.

Self-awareness always proceeds self-improvement!

Remember this: Before you attempt to lead others, first lead yourself.

Be proactive in developing your own personal training regimen to shape and apply new leadership mindsets and skillsets. Don’t wait for your organization to put you through “leadership training.” It might miss the mark.

You can become a manager based upon a promotion and a new title. Easy.

But becoming a leader takes work. It is elevated thinking and doing. New ways of seeing the future, influencing stakeholders, and inspiring actions.

You can be a leader at work, at home, in the community, or coaching your local youth sports team. No need for a title!

Our world, businesses, and communities need exceptional leaders.

Will you be one?

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