Asking the difference between the definition of a leader and of a manager may seem redundant. After all, the two roles have overlapping responsibilities and requirements. In an article written by James Kerr, it is noted: “There’s a difference between leadership and management. Leaders look forward and imagine the possibilities that the future may bring in order to set direction. Managers monitor and adjust today’s work, regularly looking backward to ensure that current goals and objectives are being met. The best leaders lead and let their management teams manage the work at hand.”

In this article for Inc.com, Kerr outlines ten key distinctions between managers and leaders including the delineation that leadership requires abstract thinking whereas managers interpret what is already in place. As well, he notes that the company risk-takers are the leaders while self-discipline is the driving force behind managers. It is an inspired list but also highly contextualized as leaders are placed in a more creative, charismatic position while characterizing management as the internal eye with grit.

To an extent, this is true. And, as well it must be. Management often acts as the vessel carrying out the leaders’ objectives within an organization. And, by definition, managers must also focus on the concrete and the day-to-day duties.  However, that does not mean thoughtful managers lack creativity, innovation and breadth of perspective. In fact, the most effective ones encompass these traits.

Complimenting managers who understand the vision of an organization are effective leaders who often show the traits good managers demonstrate. In fact, some of the “requirements” for managers are just as vital, if not more so, for leaders. One of Kerr’s distinctions between the two positions includes that imagination is required for leaders while the focus for management is on the specifics of the operation. To expand beyond the scope of the distinction, consider that a leader with imagination but no grounding in the hard data of his/her organization may be full of ideas but is unable to effectively delegate or implement those ideas.  A leader without grounding is probably just as ineffective as a manager without vision.

Overall, Kerr’s article offers an effective lens to parse the differences between managers and leaders though the dichotomy he presents isn’t always black and white. In smaller companies or startups, for example, many leaders are also acting as managers and would require both skill sets. This article is a great way to gain insight into traits that any good, higher-up in the workplace should access.

Kerr, James. “Leader Or Manager? These 10 Important Distinctions Can Help You Out.” Inc. n.p. 10 Aug. 2015. Web. 11 Aug. 2015.

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Last updated on August 1st, 2017 at 03:33 pm