Comparison of the corporative values of different companies shines some light on the leader/manager balance in a company. It come to my mind two large oil companies. I invite you to read the corporative vision of Exxon and Shell then analyze and compare the leader/manager balance of both.
I am growing as a leader. I celebrate the fact that I can ask people to do things without using my title or authority.
A successful organization or school truly relies on the strength of both leadership and management in order to set a clear vision, remain relevant and innovative with the ability to adapt to industry changes, while keeping your team aligned with the vision and inspired to fulfill their roles in executing that vision. Being a strong leader is having the ability to recognize the strengths in others and being able to cultivate the weaknesses.
Management and leadership are both essential within an institution, and ideally, both qualities should coexist in individuals at all levels. According to the material, leaders drive change by challenging the status quo; managers, too, should embrace this mindset by introducing innovative approaches to enhance processes. In my view, both managers and leaders need to effectively navigate complexity and adapt to change.
I have skills of both, however, I tend to lead and focus on change, making things more effective
My traits are more of a leader. I have a vision, and I am constantly asking the how and why of things. I do possess managerial skills as well.
I learned the difference between a leader and a manager. Leaders set a direction, while managers plan and budget to produce results that support the vision.
I don't see where one side shines brighter than the other, so I think I am both leader and manager depending on what need is there in the moment. I see the importance of a manager but also the significance of a leader. Clearly both are needed and I want to have strong characteristics of each. I want to work more on originating that imitating and challenging the status quo.
Leaders lead while Managers manage.
At this time in my life, I have been tasked with the complex responsibility of managing. I know that I am a leader, and that is what sometimes makes my current role challenging. I find myself wanting to innovate and find ways to improve processes, but I am burdened with the responsibilities of managing the current processes. I do believe that honing my managing skills will help me to be a better leader, and once I return to the role of a leader, I know that I will be much more effective than I was before.
That a manager brings about stability, but a leader brings about change
I also play a dual role of Leader/Manager and find that I end up not delegating tasks many times when I should in fear that the task will not be completed to my satisfaction. My natural need to organize, categorize, and make lists has made me a natural manager however others are not always receptive or conducive to utilizing these skills in their daily tasks which can frustrate them.
Managers promote stability and cope with complexity while leaders press for and cope with change. My dissertation used Kotter's 8 Steps of Leading Change as its theoretical foundation. I've always been amazed by it.
Comment on Sarah Batz's post: This is quite an eye-opener. Team members will try to improve processes or eliminate redundancies. Others will stick to the status quo and follow established blueprints. I now understand the leaders (former) versus the managers (latter).
Leaders want change, managers look for stability
Managers, Administer, Control and Maintain. Leaders Develop and Innovate.
In my current role, I am a leader, and love inspiring, motivating, and helping my team reach new heights in their career paths. After having a better understanding of Manager Vs Leader I have a new found appreciation for the everyday responsibilities that a manager has to work but am also excited to share that vision with my other team members.
Leaders are meant to inspire while managers help to implement the goals and initiatives of the company. Both roles are complementary to one another for success.
I think that it can depend on the needs of the organization as to whether you are a leader (strategic planning, visionary) or switching gears and facing the need to be a great manager (organizing, implementing and/or controlling). I think that both are important and a person that is able to effectively do both - can be valuable OR is also good at identifying organizational talent to make it happen.
I feel like I'm a little bit of both, but thinking of my current role, I'm a manager who has a heavy inclination to be a leader.
