Difference between Leaders and Managers - Essay Example

Running head: MANAGERS VS. LEADERS The differences between managerial and leadership characteristics appear subtleand overlapping. They are mainly in respect of approach by which one attempts to conduct oneself in the current situation without losing sight of the long-term objectives. Natural abilities and professional training are important aspects of good leadership and successful management. Keywords: Manager, leader, objectives, goals, long-term, professional, natural traits, training. Managers vs.

Leaders The two sets of qualities defining managers and leaders (Please fill in: author, year of publication, Exhibit 12.1, p.399) show the thin line of demarcation or major areas of commonality between the two executive functions. Before attempting self-analysis based on this exhibit, a few words about management and leadership are not out of place. Management is about solving short and medium-term problems by organizing people and resources so as to achieve current objectives. Leadership is more about inspiring people to work towards long-term goals and setting a personal example in this regard i.e., leading from the front.

A good leader must be a good manager too and I believe that I have qualities of both. As a manager, I believe in doing things right by deploying appropriate means to achieve results. I also attempt to solve problems by a systematic approach – like that of a builder. These personality traits are a product of the training that I have received over the academic years. They denote the professional aspect in me which is: to be consistent with problem identification, issue analysis, finding alternative solutions and applying the most appropriate one.

As a leader, I believe in simultaneously taking a long-term view to visualize what needs to be done and how to motivate and inspire my team towards the larger issues. In this respect, I fall back upon my natural traits to lead from the front, set larger goals for myself and my team, and aim to merge managerial and leadership responsibilities. To sum up, one can not be a good leader without being a good manager and vice-versa. Reference (Please fill in: Author, Year of publication), Exhibit 12.1, p.399.