Leadership and Management The Role of Leaders and Managers in an Organization

Leaders and managers serve important but distinct roles within an organization. While the title of "leader" isn't exclusive to those in only upper level positions within a company, the title manager usually almost signifies and assigned rank within an organization. In the following paragraphs, we look at the roles of both leaders and managers in more detail.

The Role of Leader

A leader is a person who sets the vision for the organization. They are the captains, they navigate often unknown territory, make strategic decisions in an effort to steer the organization to higher levels of success and to meet the organizations' missions and goals. Leaders inspire, they educate and they motivate. Leaders persuade and influence others well. An effective leader is able to clearly communicate the vision of the organization and effectively encourages the organizations members and other stakeholders to "get on board" and support the direction in which the organization is heading. Effective leadership is not about making others do what you want but rather about leading them so that they want to do what you want them to do.

Typically, within an organization, a leader holds a senior management title. Titles such as CEO, CFO and Senior Vice President are often consider "leadership" roles. Keeping in mind that all those in leadership roles may or may not be true leaders and because a person does not hold a leadership title doesn't preclude them from being a leader. We will discuss...

A manager's role is to make sure that daily tasks and tactical operations are executed well and successfully completed. Managers are responsible for analyzing work and data, monitoring performance and ensuring that work is being completed according to the organizations specifications. Managers ensure workers are meeting performance objectives, adhering to the organizations rules and policies and working so that the organization runs like a well-oiled machine. Successful managers are good planners; they have superior interpersonal relationship and communication skills. Managers are decision makers, the often make decisions (within reason) on behalf of the organization.
Similarities and Differences between Leaders and Managers

Leaders and managers both have a central job to do, which is to steer an organization in the desired direction, ensure that the organization is moving in the desired direction and to remove any roadblocks or impediments that may exist along the way. Leaders and managers are both on the lines for the success of the organization. Both roles are responsible for ensuring the members of the organization are actively engaged. Both roles are responsible for reporting results are held accountable either by other managers, upper management, stakeholders and the shareholders of the organization.

The role of leadership and management often overlap; however, the words leader and manager are…