It’s often said that leaders and managers are not the same thing. While both are important for the success of an organization, they have different roles and skill sets.
Leaders
- Leaders inspire and motivate their team to achieve a common goal.
- They are visionaries who create a long-term strategy for the organization.
- Leaders are risk-takers who are not afraid to make bold decisions.
- They lead by example and are not afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty.
- Leaders are good communicators who can articulate their vision and motivate their team.
- They are adaptable and can change course if needed to achieve their goals.
Managers
- Managers are responsible for executing the strategy set by the leaders.
- They oversee day-to-day operations and ensure that goals are met.
- Managers are good at delegating tasks and managing their team’s workload.
- They are accountable for the performance of their team.
- Managers are good problem-solvers who can think on their feet and make decisions quickly.
- They are organized and can manage multiple projects at once.
While there are certainly some people who possess both leadership and management skills, most people tend to lean more towards one or the other. It’s important to identify which one you are so that you can focus on developing the skills necessary to excel in that role.
So, which one are you? A leader or a manager?
