Are You a Manager, a Leader, or Both?

Is there a difference between management and leadership?  Most people would immediately say yes.  However, once you ask them to describe those differences the response comes more slowly.  In general, we can all eventually think of characteristics we consider necessary for a successful manager or extraordinary leader.  However, how many people do we know possess the qualities of both?  Many of these qualities may come naturally however most must be developed.  To be an effective manager you must also be able to lead your employees. 

This article resulted from a conversation I had recently with a fellow Speaker, Ola Joseph.  Our discussion was if all managers are leaders.  After our conversation, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.  I’ve known some people who were true managers, but they wouldn’t exactly qualify as leaders in my opinion.  Life wise, I’ve known people who were extreme leaders, with all the eccentricities of mad scientists, but most of them would never be able to manage a group of people.  Had I ever met someone who was both?  The question made me stop and pause.  Yes I had, once, during my years at American Express.  His name was Bob.  For those of you worried that I should keep his name anonymous, trust me I am since I worked under three levels of Bobs at the time.  Anyway Bob, was excellent at leading and managing, there aren’t many people who can do both.

In order to figure out which roll you fit in best we need to identify the qualities of each.

Manager Characteristics

It is an important element of management to keep your eye on the bottom line.  Managers must keep up production and profitability.  On a day-to-day basis managers must also deal with solving employee issues.  In addition, they must meet project deadlines, and maintain levels of quality.  Managers must ensure that the proper resources are obtained at the appropriate time and in a cost effective manner.  A manager’s goals are usually short-term, no more than two years into the future, and are based on current projects.  A manager’s primary job is creating the most efficient operation possible.

The largest part of a manager’s responsibility is managing people.  Effective managers must hire the right people for each position, train them, then motivate and empower them to do their jobs without having to micromanaging them.  The success of the manager is based on their ability to complete projects on time with the employees they supervise.

Leader Characteristics

Leaders are more focused on long-term goals, fifteen to twenty years into the future.  True leaders are sometimes described as “having their head in clouds,” due to their visionary style.  Leaders can usually pump up and motivate employees toward their company vision.  These people are focused on the big picture not allowing small mishaps to stop their momentum.  Leaders are passionate about their dreams, which is contagious when anyone comes into contact with them.  Most leaders are not good managers because they are not focused on the day-to-day running of the operation, but its long range impact on their industry.  Leaders want to break new ground in technology, and are looking for innovative ways to improve processes across the entire company.

How to be both manager and leader?

To be a person who exhibits both qualities you need communicate to your employees regarding long-term goals.  Share the long range vision of your company.  Express how each and every employee has a roll in turning the vision into a reality.  Motivate your employees to get them to feel a part of the strategy the company is implementing to achieve those goals.  Encourage your employees to present their innovative and creative ideas which will make a part of the goals the company is trying to accomplish.