Are You a Leader or a Manager?

When it comes to working with people, are you a leader or a manager? First of all not everyone who is a manager is a leader and not all leaders are managers; however, your team will know if you’re a leader or a manager. The most important question is do you know who you are? Take the quiz to find out.

Although there are pros and cons with both, I will save my insight until the end. Hiring a “leader” or a “manager” must fit within your company culture and vision.

Consider the following traits: tells, meets expectations, sets the direction, has objectives, takes risks, instructs employees. Leader or Manager?

Let’s check out this infographic that clearly outlines the traits and separates the two:

Leaders vs Managers: 17 Traits That Set Them Apart [Infographic]

Thanks to Resourceful Manager for providing this infographic

Are You A Leader Or A Manager?

As you can see, there is a distinct difference between the two. I believe that companies need to hire more leaders. Why? Because the workforce is changing and becoming more diverse and dynamic. When hiring a leader, look to character and personality not necessarily experience or skill set. It’s also important to see what their past sales teams say about working with that person. Unfortunately, when an organization has a high manager to leader ratio or a company culture that contradicts the leadership traits explained above, leaders sometimes are looked upon as “rule-breakers” or “non-conformers.” If you want a bobble head, then hire a manager. If you want engagement, empowerment, and autonomy, then hire a leader. If you’re looking for innovative ideas and a fresh approach of doing things, then hire a leader.

I know it isn’t broken but is there a way to do it that’s even better?

By hiring a leader and allowing him or her to what they were hired to do will take time. Time to establish trust and rapport with their teams. So, the company must be patient. Look what Theo Epstein was able to do with two beloved American franchises–the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs. His results took vision and time.

So are you a leader or a manager? But most importantly, if you are a manager, are you willing to become more of a leader? CEO’s, are you willing to hire and support a leader?

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net