Anton Joseph Managers tend to deal with the various day-to-day tasks and operational requirements of an organization. These tasks may include the management of staff and specific processes essential for the operation of the company. Good managers possess strong people skills and an organizational skill set. Their management requirements are not limited to projects and other special interest obligations to the organization and tend to be focused on the specifics of said projects.
Leaders, however show innovation in their thoughts and ideas and generally set the path of an organization. They can be disruptive in their approach by finding new ways to position the business for success. A true leader challenges the status quo and challenges their managers to push the envelop in setting a new course for the business. Furthermore, leaders will help provide the direction for managers and staff to follow.
A leader can possess managerial qualities and manager can show the ability to lead. However, there has to be a clear differentiation between a manager and a leader. I have had staff members over the years that believed they possessed leadership qualities, however lacked the skills necessary to develop ideas into action. The lines between leadership and management became blurred. One must lay the road map for the organization while the other must provide the means of transport to the company’s ultimate destination.
