Manager always asks “how” and “when”, whereas a leader asks “what” and why”.
In many professions, managers and leaders assume the same role. However, if a leader of a business simply manages a company
Qualities of a Manager
- Responsible for communicating the rules and philosophies of the company to individual employees, and insuring that they abide by them.
- Relationships with employees are determined by a hierarchical management system, and rarely through personal ones.
- Maintaining the day to day operations of the company so the cogs of the operation stay well-oiled.
- Managers are generally more concerned with the quarterly bottom line, and will often base decisions based on these calculations.
- Good managers are often considered “good soldiers” in that they rarely question the decisions of the higher echelons of the company, and only serve to enforce the execution of its policies.
Qualities of a Leader
- Focuses on interpersonal relationships with other important contacts in other companies, as well as promoting promising individuals within the company to foster innovation.
- Decisions on reports from department heads to assess the entire company’s situation, and future strategies.
- A true leader will also be willing to ignore the company’s quarterly bottom line for several quarters – much to the chagrin of shareholders – and make investments for a long-range growth perspective.
- A leader is considered a “fearless innovator” in that he or she challenges the status quo and is unafraid to take high risks in search of high rewards, for customers, employees and shareholders alike.