A manager is simply one who accomplishes tasks through the efforts of others, generally because of a position of organizational authority. A leader provides vision to others, and does not necessarily have to be a manager. Considering management-level leaders, the differences between a manager and a leader are important.
A manager administers a program, while a leader is an innovator. A manager maintains the status quo or works to maintain momentum, while a leader challenges the status quo and develops the momentum. A manager focuses on structures and systems, while the leader focuses on people. A manager’s authority derives from his or her position in the hierarchy, while a leader’s authority derives from the trust and confidence that his or her followers have. Of course, a bit of organizational power never hurts a leader, either.
In one Dilbert cartoon, a low-budget speaker’s presentation was something like, “Work harder, or you might get fired.” This viewpoint is that of a stereotypical manager, utterly lacking in leadership skills, and given credence by managers because some outside speaker said it. A leader does not have to resort to threats to accomplish his or her goals; rather, a leader will find better ways to motivate his or her followers.
A manager keeps his or her eye on the bottom line, while a leader keeps his or her eye on a vision of the future. A manager is the classic good soldier, doing everything right; a leader is his or her own person, who does the right thing.
A manager controls the work environment to achieve the organization’s goals, then instructs subordinates to follow, while a leader clarifies the path to achieving the organization’s goals for his or her subordinates, then motivates them to follow. The differences boil down to two key items:
- Vision. A leader has to have and share a vision of the future for the organization and for the people involved; and
- Passion. A leader must be care about the project, or team, or organization, and share that passion with subordinates and/or teammates.
A manager may well have a vision and passion, but if it is not shared, then it is not leading. Vision and passion tend to be contagious, which is why effective leaders can get the necessary buy-in to accomplish tasks.
