Over the years there has been numerous comparisons between the two terms of a leader and a manager. The differences and similarities between the two can be blurred when discussing and or debating between; what is a leader versus what is a manager. Often, some view the roles as interchangeable, but in comparison, both are very different. Management guru and author of over 39 books and numerous professional, scholarly articles: Peter Drucker created a theory that embellishes a prime comparison between a leader and a manager. “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things” (Drucker, 1943, p. 39).  The following research depicts a short analysis comparing the traits and characteristics of a leader and a manager.

Managers

Managers are typically responsible for the functioning of departmentalization in any given area and listed at or near the top of an organizational chart. The work of a manager revolves around the four functions of management known as Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Control (POLC). Aspiring managers and individuals wanting to excel in their role as a manager must continuously develop and be represented by supporting the people that he or she supervises.      Keep in mind, not all managers can lead, and not all leaders can manage.  Usually, the manager and each team member have a positional role in an organization. The role assigned will carry multiple labors with each worker having different responsibilities within their position and tasks assigned. The manager directs the work and is often considered a/the boss regardless of their hierarchal level within the business. This concept is known as positional power and dates back pre-nineteenth century where one would show obedience to position like that of a king or master.

Leader

Leaders and leadership will be referred to as a pillar for others. Although leaders have many great qualities, there are four characteristics that exceptional leadership embellishes; vision, empathy, adaptability, and accountability. Leaders must not only be visionaries, but each must also be able to provide the intangible scope so others can and will see the vision of where their life is going. Most people can quickly identify a false prophet. Leaders are prophets that their daily walk is transparently sincere and wholesome. Support is prevalent through their caring desire to nurture. Leaders must be the change agent that supportably helps others adapt and thrive in the avenue of change. “Prioritizing accountability is one of the signs of a good leader because it drives better results and enhances employee engagement and overall company performance” (Helbig, 2023, para.2). A leader might often be described as a person who was leading the charge of an army or one that was leading an expedition across a vast land. Each of these would have followers who were drawn to follow based on a motivation other than the position.

During the late nineteenth and early twentieth, a concept of leadership began evolving to describe a role within businesses that would draw and inspire employees to achieve a desired outcome above what had been the historical past. To comprehend this motivational change, an understanding of the differences between managing and leading is key. “In the ever-evolving tapestry of human civilization, leadership stands as a timeless and indispensable thread, weaving together the ambitions, aspirations, and actions of individuals and organizations alike” (Cornerstone of Effective Leadership, ND, para. 27).

Key Differences Between Leadership and Management

The goals and outcomes of a manger or leader into today’s business environment may be the same and some of their characteristic may overlap, but there are key differences. The role of the manager often tells employees what to do by assigning tasks. The employee will then focus on the task and the efficiencies gained. Managers retain power in their position, may place blame when things do not go as planned, and take credit for the teams win. Overall, managers are hard to convince change will work, they prefer to keep doing things the same way, they feel this avoids risk, and like fear bring fight or flight to one’s mind, managers feel strongly they have a plan and purpose, that overall works and this is their comfort zone of questioning change and fearing when others have a better way of doing things.

Leaders who are in the role of a manager may have a opposing view and operate entirely differently. Leaders empower teams to take ownership of their work, to seek out successes and continuously strive for improvements. Leaders' role is often reflecting that of a coach. They direct and guide employees to determine the best direction that will ensure the greatest success, with no fear. Great leaders describe the vision and provide direction that allows team members to follow their chosen path of success, which in turn fulfills worth and compassion needed to succeed and achieve their own goals and in turn, the organizations goals.