Difference Between Leader and Manager

Conceptually, the characteristics inherent in leaders and managers are self-evident. A discussion of the differences between leaders and managers further clarifies the concepts of leaders and managers.

The significant differences between a leader and a manager are as follows:

• Leaders are far-reaching, managers are purposeful.
• Leaders believe in holistic development of people. The manager believes in developing the necessary skills of the concerned person to meet the set objectives.
• A leader’s scope is wide. On the other hand, a manager’s scope of work is determined under a prescribed structure.
• Leaders motivate team members to become future leaders through holistic development, managers motivate members to become skilled and competent workers in achieving objectives.
• A leader creates a vision based on a vision. Managers determine the course of action to implement the vision.
• Leaders create new opportunities through expansion. Managers on the other hand follow the work process in the professional field.
• Leaders lay the foundation for creating more human resources. Managers coordinate materials and human resources to achieve set objectives.
• Leaders encourage others to innovate. Managers encourage members to be specific in implementing initiatives.
• A leader’s target population (targeted people) is wide. A manager works with a certain number of workforce under a defined structure.
• Leaders influence individuals holistically to achieve the vision. Managers control the workforce in implementing the plan.

Despite the above distinctions between leaders and managers, a leader can simultaneously play the role of a manager. In this case, a leader creates a vision and can determine the course of action to implement it properly through the overall development of the concerned individuals.

Similarly, a manager can play the role of a model leader by ensuring the prompt implementation of his prescribed course of action and setting an example for the larger population to follow in overall development across functional boundaries.