What's the difference between you as a manager and a leader?
In life we are confronted with 2 types of leaders. The first is a true leader and the second is a so-called leader, more commonly referred to as a manager. We often confuse a manager for a leader because of the respect we give to the position. Just because a person has the title of manager doesn’t make them a leader. Here are a couple of things you can do to identify if you are a leader or a so-called leader.
What do you do?
Leaders | So-Called Leaders (Manager) |
Teach | Tell |
Guide | Critize |
Encourage | Expect |
Unique | Mimic other managers |
Builds relationships | Focus on goals and objectives |
Leads the charge | Watches from afar |
Leadership is qualitive | Management is quantitative |
Traits
Leader | So-Called Leader (Manager) |
Passionate | Control |
Virtuous | Team-oriented |
Empathetic | Good communicator |
Communication Skills | Dependable |
Open-Minded and Creativity | Process management |
How to Measure Effective Leadership?
Your team’s code of conduct and culture is a great variables to measure effective leadership. For instance, many members in your team take frequent leaves or are disengaged and disgruntled. Then you might be an inefficient leader. Similarly, if any of your team members is demotivated and feels they are not progressing in their career, you may want to reconsider your leadership skills.
How to Measure Effective Management?
Effective management can be measured with the quantity and quality of output, and adherence to budgets, among other things. If your team is failing at producing the desired results constantly, then it is time to change your managerial style. You can work with your team to understand the areas you are failing as a manager and try to make changes accordingly. Or else you can consider taking short learning programmes to hone your managerial skills.
Leadership vs. Management: What’s the Difference?
Leaders and managers apply different approaches to achieve their goals. For example, managers seek compliance to rules and procedures, whereas leaders thrive on breaking the norm and challenging the status quo. Here’s how leadership and management are different from each other.