Leader Versus Manager

1/11/2023

What is the difference between a leader and a manager?

A LEADER is a person who influences others to achieve a shared goal.

Standard Leader Definition
This sentiment is influenced by the highly recognized leadership studies scholar Craig E. Northouse, author of Leadership Theory and Practice 7th edition defines leadership as “a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (Northouse, 2006). From a leadership perspective, a leader influences others through the development and communication of a vision and organizational culture. There are hundreds of leadership theories that vary in leadership definition and process with each claiming to be the solution to leadership challenges. Many Fortune 500 executive leaders are influenced by well known traditional leadership theories such as Great Man Theory, Leader Member Exchange, and Servant Leadership. However today’s leader needs a more robust collection of leadership tools, skills, and experiences to be relevant and professionally competitive.

Step Up Step Back Leader Definition
Step Up Step Back emphasizes a social justice approach for leaders who strive to develop a work culture and vision of collaboration and equitable access to better meet the increasing diversity needs of their employees and their customers. This impactful engagement fosters active participation and sharing of knowledge from diverse perspectives. When multiple individuals feel safe and are included in important decision making with their leaders, employee retention and customer loyalty is ensured via buy in. Our DEI leadership coaching is based on the principles and proven research of Situational Leadership, Humility Leadership, and Responsible Leadership. Our coaching of leadership visions and cultural standards are informed by social justice DEI best practices, leadership research, and communication studies.

A MANAGER is a person who is responsible for the daily logistics necessary to achieve the shared goal set by a leader.

Standard Manager Definition
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of a manager states that a manager is an individual who “exercises executive, administrative, and supervisory direction.” In basic terms, the manager is in charge of the day to day logistics to carry out the leader’s vision and organizational culture. A manager’s scope of duties and responsibility are typically limited to employee supervision, daily task completion, and facility maintenance. The manager strives to support the vision and culture of the leader through supervision.

Step Up Step Back Manager Definition
Despite managers holding the formal position of daily operations of an organization, a manager holds the potential to be a leader and must be engaged actively by their executive leader. If an executive leader fails to engage their managerial direct reports the organization will suffer low employee retention, poor job satisfaction, and ultimately decreased organizational productivity. Step Up Step Back values managers, individual contributors, stakeholders, and customers each with their own lived experiences and indisputable truths which will contribute to the success or failure of an organization. Through DEI leadership coaching, executive leaders will learn the necessary skills, tools, and methods to engage their managers and entire organization to meet relevant DEI professional standards.

3 Comments

Remi J

4/6/2023 01:03:24 pm

I couldn’t agree more! Thank you for the thoughtful piece, keep up the great work!

ame arakaki

4/6/2023 01:38:41 pm

I like the characterizations of leaders and managers. The author differentiates between these roles well.

RPJ

4/6/2023 06:55:21 pm

Managers were the key to getting things done in a tops down structure. That worked very well in the 50's-70's in the USA as the country was very dependent on manufacturing, life long government jobs, and needed to build communities. It wasn't until the 80's-90's when global economies started to directly compete with America a little bit at a time. Then after Y2K the technology explosion leveled the playing field. American companies started to look to the EU and Asia for "best practices" and something called leadership. Could this work in America and change the business practices and culture? It had to, or else the economy would even be further whittled away. Strategy, the big picture, and engaging teams had to be instituted. Most of the time reluctantly. Kind of like where DEI is now and evolving.