Who is a Leader and who isn't?

Words ‘Leader’ and ‘Manager’ are buzzwords in today’s business world. Several educated young professionals use them interchangeably. But does it actually matter which word do they use or it has a clear implication over what exactly do they do in their respective professional roles  and also how they do it. Several books are available which share a lot of information on Leader and Manager differentiation. Being confused with too much of information young professionals while focusing on few traits of Leadership end up acting like managers. Here in this article I have tried to simplify the differences in behaviour of a Manager and Leader for the benefit of readers who are interested in this topic.

Sr.No	Behaviors & Traits of a Manager	Behaviors & Traits of a Leader
1	Manager focuses  primarily on execution of planned activities governed by well defined constraints of time, cost and quality. Focus is on skill of the subordinates.	Leader on the other hand may also be an assigned manager by designation who is also supposed to get similar jobs executed appropriately but his/her approach is clearly different from that of an individual with just a managerial mindset.  A leader’s primly focus is on communication, motivation, inspiration and encouraging teamwork such that the best possible contribution from every individual comes out. Focus is on both will and skill of the subordinates.
2	Manager renders his/her role going by the defined job description. Subordinates do work as per the instructions of the manager while respecting the authority coming with his/her designation . Most managers although have different functional roles but have similar working styles.	A leader not necessarily have to be from Management cadre and he/she does not render his duties going by a defined job description. Leaders have distinguished styles and people follow them not because of the title/designation but for the inspiration which they get from the leader on how to always stay highly optimistic and demonstrate high level of passion towards their jobs.
3	Manager sets the path of his/her subordinates for it to fall in line with company’s vision so that they deliver at best on their respective functional roles and responsibilities.	Leaders have a visible passion and right communication skills to influence all colleagues such that together they understand company’s vision in the exactly same way and appreciate where are they today and where do they all want to go.
4	Managers have subordinates whom they communicate.	Leaders have followers whom they persuade.
5	Managers react to change	Leaders create change
6	Managers merely focus on ‘What work to do’ & ‘How to do that work’	Leaders critically analyze the status quo and focus on ‘Why is the work being done in a particular way’ and also justify if there is any better way forward.
7	Manager ensures that each of his/her subordinates does job as planned and delegated.	A leader inspires trust and nurtures team spirit to ensure that each team member is motivated well to deliver with the maximum potential and also try distinguished  innovative approaches.
8	When given an new challenge or opportunity a Manager continuously reminds his/her subordinates about ‘What’s in it for the department or company’	When given an new challenge or opportunity a Leader continuously sensitizes all colleagues about ‘What’s in it for people because of whom the organization exists’

I will be happy to extend discussions on this blog post in relation to the discussed subject matter.

Regards,

Devesh Sharma

devesh0102@gmail.com

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