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Leader vs. manager: understanding the difference
A 5-point guide to differentiating roles
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” — Peter Drucker.
In the business world, “manager” and “leader” are terms often used interchangeably, but they represent fundamentally distinct concepts and roles within an organization. Recognizing the difference between the two has, also, enabled me to deploy more effective strategies in my role, enhancing the development and well-being of my team and the broader company. However, it’s troubling that many organizations blur these distinct roles, leading to challenging work environments for individuals who require inspiration and direction, rather than strict supervision.
As someone deeply entrenched in leadership, I’ve realized that my strengths may not neatly align with conventional managerial tasks. This scenario, where managers are misidentified as leaders, is becoming all too common. In this discussion, I aim to highlight the essential differences between managers and leaders and offer five strategies to help distinguish between them. This is crucial for fostering a clearer understanding and better execution of these vital organizational roles.
