I’ve noticed that more companies are using “manager” and “leader” interchangeably when describing management and employee relationships.
“Talk with your leader about any concerns regarding the new policy.”
“Leaders will be meeting with their teams to review the annual review process and assign tasks.”
I’m not a fan of this interchangeable use of the terms since it confuses the big differences between a manager and a leader.
The reason for this change is companies wanting to portray a culture of leaders and followers, where anyone can become a leader through hard work and “putting in the long hours.” The idea is that being a leader is much better than being a manager. Leader conjures up images of Alexander the Great, Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Manager doesn’t have the same aura.
The world needs managers and leaders.
Anyone can become a manager. You can study processes and procedures, and work on people skills and project management skills. You can attend seminars about management techniques, conflict resolution, and other management best practices. Managers play a critical role in an organization. Managers focus on efficiency, they focus on time management and human resource issues. Managers ensure that the organization–people, procedures, systems–all work together as effectively as possible so that the organization can attain its objectives.
I don’t believe that anyone can become a leader. Leaders are necessarily rare. Leaders inspire people, they drive innovation, they are typically pioneers in their chosen field, they instill something in others that makes people want to follow them. Leaders inspire others to do something great.
Just as a brand is determined by consumers (people), a leader is determined by followers (people).
Leaders aren’t managers. Leaders often aren’t considered “people persons.” A lot of leaders would make horrible managers.
Leaders and managers have a different focus. There’s nothing wrong at all with being a manager. It’s an important position.
But, being a manager doesn’t make you a leader. Being a true leader does.
