Often we are told that leadership is the key to success. What is leadership? Is there a difference between being a leader and being a manager? Most often, people never stop to evaluate whether or not they are a leader or a manager. Could you be a leader and a manager? This paper will discuss the relationship between managers and leaders, their differences, and explore the in depth meaning of the two.
A manager is defined as “One who organizes work and directs its completion through the services of others.” (Webster's Online Dictionary) Managers are set in place to ensure that goals are reached, and tasks are completed. Managers tend to follow procedures, maintain control, and stay focused on the goal. They are not necessarily concerned about their subordinates. A manager simply facilitates in order to ensure production.
"Management consists of the rational assessment of a situation and the systematic selection of goals and purposes (what is to be done?); the systematic development of strategies to achieve these goals; the marshalling of the required resources; the rational design, organization, direction, and control of the activities required to attain the selected purposes; and, finally, the motivating and rewarding of people to do the work." (Levitt, Summer 1976) The author of this quote is stating that a manager makes an assessment of the organizational goals, and determines what needs to be done in order to achieve them. A manager's job is to ensure that the organization is running according to plan. In order for this to be effective, the manager must act as they say. In order for managers to be an effective, they must be willing to work toward the organizational goals. The manager must also be motivated and willing to motivate their subordinates.
A lead ...