A manager is someone who oversees and coordinates the work of a team of people. A leader, on the other hand, inspires and motivates others to achieve a common goal. Leaders are not born; they are made. Anyone can become a leader if they have the right qualities.
Samir H Bhatt of SHB Advisors will explain some of the key differences between leaders and managers:
7 Differences Between a Leader and a Manager
Vision
According to Samir H Bhatt, a leader has a vision for the future and knows where they want to take their team. Leaders will create a plan and set goals to achieve their vision. A manager, on the other hand, is more focused on the present and ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within budget.
Inspiration
Leaders are able to inspire others to achieve things they never thought possible. They do this by painting a picture of what can be achieved and motivating people to work together to make it happen. Managers, while they may be good at getting people to complete tasks, are not typically as successful at inspiring them.
Communication
Leaders are excellent communicators. They understand the importance of clear and concise communication in order to get their point across and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Managers are also generally good communicators but may not be as skilled at communicating their vision or motivating people.
Change Agents
Leaders are change agents. They are constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate. They are not afraid of change but embrace it. Managers, on the other hand, may be more resistant to change as they prefer to stick to what is comfortable and familiar.
Building Relationships
As per Samir H Bhatt, leaders know the importance of building strong relationships. They understand that trust is essential in order to get people to buy into their vision and follow them. Managers may also build strong relationships, but they are typically more focused on task completion than relationship building.
Decision-Making
Leaders are confident in their decision-making abilities and are not afraid to make tough decisions. They understand that sometimes there is no clear right or wrong answer, and they are comfortable with making the best decision they can based on the information available. Managers may also be good at making decisions, but they are usually more cautious and less likely to take risks.
Team Building
Leaders are experts at putting together teams that work well together. They know how to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each team member and how to utilize those strengths to achieve the team’s goals. Managers may also be good at putting together teams, but they typically focus more on the individual tasks that need to be completed rather than on the team as a whole.
Conclusion
Leadership is about setting a direction and inspiring others to follow. It’s about having a vision and being able to communicate that vision in a way that motivates others to take action. Management is about organizing people and resources to achieve specific goals.
Both leaders and managers are important, but, as Samir H Bhatt has highlighted above, they are not the same. Leaders provide direction and inspiration, while managers ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.