Leader and manager positions are different, although the same person may often perform the two jobs. Leaders, and those with effective leadership skills, manage employees and situations more efficiently and successfully.
Leaders are more task, goal, and relationship oriented, whereas managers are more operations oriented. Leaders have more effective interpersonal styles, and leader-member exchanges ultimately influence employees' behavior. Ultimate effectiveness, though, depends on appropriate leadership style.
Leaders are typically out in front. However, this does not mean they are always visible and actively involved in a function. For example, managers and supervisors can be out in front of a workgroup in terms of ideas.
- Leaders see possibilities and potential, and develop ideas that others do not see.
- They identify problems that have only begun to develop.
- They plan well in order to mitigate problems for others.
The idea is to have a manager who is also a capable leader. Functionally, however, differences between the two are obvious.
Characteristically, managers who are clearly leaders are distinct from other managers. Leader-managers actively embrace these roles:
- Visionaries: They can see the end result.
- Risk takers: They are willing to go all out.
- Motivators: They help inspire others with ideas or attitude.
- Initiators of change: They help move people or ideas in a new direction.
In addition, leader-managers responsibly exhibit these qualities:
- Provide direction: They share their ideas with colleagues.
- Play an active role: They are not indifferent to the work or to the people performing it. They are willing to roll up their sleeves.
- Function as part of a team: They are interactive in the process.
- Delegate effectively: They allow others to learn and grow.
The full article is available on the Facilities Management News website.
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