Free Leaders and Managers Essay Sample

The business article that was relevant in addressing this topic of our discussion is ‘What is the Difference Between Management and Leadership? This article was adapted from an article published by Harper Business titled “The Wall Street Journal Guide to Management” written by Alan Murray.   The article mostly addresses the differences between leaders and managers and that what this paper is going to focus on. The terms leaders and managers are often used in many situations interchangeably especially in the business world to mean someone in charge of a team of people. The reality is that leaders vs. managers have different meanings. Leaders and managers roles go hand in hand but they are not the same thing. Though they are sometimes complementary and linked, they have to be separated as treating them as the same thing is likely to lead to a lot of confusion. The most outstanding difference between leaders and managers is in the way the two motivate their workers or followers. It is this aspect that determines the tone of the rest of the aspects that follow.

The Difference Between Leaders and Managers

A mangers role typifies a more controlled, structured, rule oriented, analytical and orderly continuum. A leader on the other hand connotes a more visionary, experimental, impassioned, unstructured and flexible side. This means that leaders and managers are totally different as they behave the opposite externally and also think the opposite internally. This can be explained by the difference in the organizational and work aspects between the leaders and the managers in relation to their importance in the organizations they head thus the worthiness of their time. The difference is also witness in the way the two treat people and the way they spontaneously react to issues concerning their organizations. This results to those below them to develop different focuses and also limits them in totally different ways. Such differences lead to varied cultures on the organizations and different reactions from the ones being led.

This is to mean, the difference between an organization led by a leader and one led by a manager can be clearly seen through their follower’s point of view and disposition.  Leaders are engaged in acts that arouse and satisfy the motives of those who are under them through creating an environment that is competitive, conflicting and dynamic as they all take the same course towards a shared vision. Both a leader and a manager may be familiar with the business but a leader must be in a position to know the business in a different and better way. The leader must be able to be vast with the underlying forces and the essential facts that determine the present and the past in the business so as come up with a strategy and vision to bring about a better future.

A leader has to have an honest attitude towards objective truth and facts.  While managers try to investigate the business reality through taking into considering the pertinent factors as they carefully analyze them on the basis of concepts, vision, programs and plans, managers on the hand adopt the truth from their followers and go ahead  to implement them without finding out the facts behind the reality. Chasm brings out the other profound difference between managers and leaders. Managers carry out things right and leaders perform the right things. The rights thing means an objective, a vision, a dream, a goal, a reach and a path. Mangers are able to accomplish the incorrect things efficiently and beautiful.

While mangers are concerned about efficiency, leaders focus on effectiveness. Mangers talk about how as leaders think about why and what. Mangers deal with controls, systems, policies, structures and procedures. Leaders take note of the trust on people. Managers assume a position in an organization that gives them authority as their subordinates work under them following their instructions. This makes them take a transactional role where the manager decides what the subordinates will do and how they do it. Leaders on their side inspire those around them on what to do. The leaders show their subordinates what do in a way that is appealing and not a command. This position leaves a leader to be risk seekers while a manager remains a risk-averse. A manager assumes an administer role as he is in charge of those below him while  a leader takes an innovative role now that he has to make those he or she is in charge to follow his way. This means that the leader has to be creative and original in his or her ideas while the manager just needs to follow the laid down rules and regulations.

Conclusion

The difference between leaders and managers is evident and is important that it is realized. The difference mainly arises from the role they assume in an organization and the way they conduct their duties. Mangers position makes them have subordinates thus assume the seniority role and have power over those around them. Leaders on their part have no subordinates as they don’t have any formal control or authority over their followers. All they do is to lead for the followers to willingly go their way in a voluntary manner. Despite the many difference between leaders and managers, the two positions go hand in hand and are related in so many ways. A head in an organization may assume either the role of a manger or a leader depending on what is at stake. Considering the two, being a leader is more friendly to the followers thus one relates best with the people he or she associates with thus the easily achieves the best results. 

 

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