22 of 52

Write now Article Tools

There is a very distinct difference between being a manager and being a leader, however that difference is lost on so many mid-career professionals as they move up the corporate ladder.

First, let's cover the fundamental differences:

Being a manager means you are capable of ensuring that people accomplish specific tasks generally within a specified period of time. Typically this is accomplished through micromanagement and constantly 'checking up' on your employees' progress. Typically a 'manager' will focus on what time an employee arrives and leaves and how they behave while they are at work, for example: how much time they spend on the phone, how much time they spend visiting with others or how many breaks they take each day.

Being a leader is quite the opposite. A leader has an unspoken confidence that when people hear what his goals and objectives for himself and his group, they will naturally want to work hard to help him achieve them. A leader simply mentors and provides a toolset and then allows his/her employees to find their own path to success. A leader isn't concerned with the specific steps or the order of the steps taken to reach a goal, they are only concerned with the end result.

A leader doesn't have to waste time babysitting employees, because they inspire people to desire success. A manager is often concerned about their own insecurities and hopes of being promoted and they try to drive a specific behavior from the people they manage that will serve these objectives.

A leader has the big picture in mind at all times and understands that if people on his/her team are promoted, although it may hurt the team's momentum in the short-term, the incentive that promotion provides to other team members is worth it.

Learn more about this author, Trip Todd.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Being a manager vs. being a leader?
We want to hear your view. Write now!