Managers vs. Leaders: What Separates the Two?

Managers vs. Leaders: What Separates the Two?

I have always been fascinated by this topic for a variety of reasons, largely because I spent over 20 years in both military and paramilitary organizations.

We’ve all known and been forced to work with managers, people who order us around and expect us to obey. But when we find ourselves lucky enough to work with a leader, someone who actually encourages you to perform better and to innovate, it can make all the difference in the world!

Want to be a leader without falling into the pitfalls of “boss-hood”? Here are some of the things that set leaders and bosses apart. Pay very close attention to the similarities between my examples and those you may be experiencing on your chosen profession.

Work vs. People

Managers tend to be focused on the work, on the projects or assignments that must be completed throughout the day, week, or month. Leaders, on the other hand, focus on the people that work with them and will often make sure that the efforts of the team are acknowledged versus the " Management" type of mentality.

They still keep the work in mind, but their main priority is to ensure that people are encouraged, motivated, inspired, stimulated intellectually and creatively, and empowered as much as possible. That people-focus is what makes them so much better at encouraging others to get the job done. When you do encourage others and bring them into focus, it can and often does encourage others to work with a stronger sense of urgency to reach that next goal just a hair faster next month! ( IT DID FOR ME!)

Command vs. Lead

A manager will tell you, “Go, do that!” A leader will say, “Come, let’s do this.” Goodness, how many times have i heard this one after getting out of meetings and the senior advisors those same exact words.Does not inspire "Espirit de Corps" ( just a fancy way of saying pride, fellowship, and loyalty

The difference is subtle, but it can be a huge motivator to find that your superior is in the trenches and grinding alongside you. When you know they’re pulling the load with you, it can make it much easier to pull. The Axiom, "Many hands make the load lighter," truly applies hear for sure.

Answers vs. Solutions

When a manager finds a problem, he wants to know whose fault the problem is and how it happened and at times will hand out punishments to fit the crime.  A leader, on the other hand, cares more about the solution to the problem. Blame and responsibility are secondary—what matters most is that the problem gets taken care of and everything gets back on track.......