Leader or manager: What are the differences?

Management and leadership are two expressions commonly confused within a company, especially since they are often used as the other. However, there is a real difference between these two concepts, especially when it comes to authority. The explanations.

Management: a question of organization

Definition of management : Management is a discipline that encompasses all the techniques relating to the management and organization of different resources, in order to manage and administer the company efficiently. This function is assigned to what is called a “manager” .

It is above all a person expressly designated as a “leader” within a group. He therefore derives his status from this hierarchy and exercises his authority over a formal team.

His role thus focuses on defining objectives and organizing the work to be done, so that these objectives are achieved according to a previously established schedule.

It thus provides all the necessary directives on the organization of the work to be provided, as clearly as possible, as well as the conditions for carrying out all the tasks planned.

To these is added a control of the activity of his team, paying attention, among other things, to planning and reporting .

Leadership: a new vision

This second concept consists of the ability of an individual to influence other people and motivate them, so that they can perform one or more tasks without constraints, and at the same time achieve common objectives.

When it comes to authority, leadership status does not come from delegated power, but rather comes from recognition.

The leader does not impose himself as chief or leader. Positioning himself rather on a horizontal hierarchy , he draws his notoriety within his group, thanks to his initiatives, his status as a visionary and above all, his achievements.

Being at the center of his team, the latter therefore recognizes him as an informal authority. In addition to his ability to build close bonds with his colleagues, he also pushes them to improve over time, while opening up new horizons for them.

He therefore does not content himself with giving directives to accomplish a task, but at the same time guides his collaborators, giving them the example to follow.

The essential distinctions between leadership and management

The distinctions between a leader and a manager are as follows:

Vision vs Planning

• A leader has a long-term vision and inspires others to follow it. He sets the direction and motivates people by sharing that vision.
• A manager focuses on short-term planning and organizing tasks to achieve set goals. He is execution-oriented.

Influence vs Authority

• A leader gains influence through his ability to inspire, mobilize and create a positive climate. He is followed by choice and respected.
• A manager exercises authority by virtue of his hierarchical position. People obey him because of his position in the company.

People Empathy vs Task Empathy

• A leader cares about the needs, aspirations and personal development of his team. He creates an environment where employees feel valued.
• A manager focuses on completing tasks, organizing work and optimizing processes.

Risk vs Stability

• A leader is often willing to take calculated risks to achieve the vision because he or she is focused on change and innovation.
• A manager typically seeks to maintain stability and minimize risk to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the business.

Relationships vs. Formal Authority

• A leader builds strong relationships with his team, based on trust and mutual respect.
• A manager relies on formal authority to direct employees, even though interpersonal relationships may be less important.

Although the roles are distinct, in many situations the best leaders are able to combine these two roles to maximize the effectiveness and success of the business.

Skills Required for Effective Leadership

Effective leadership is not limited to a set of technical skills, but is primarily based on emotional and relational skills:

• Clear communication : Transparent communication fosters trust and alignment within the team.
• Empathy : Empathy allows the leader to respond to the concerns of his or her employees and create a positive and solid work environment.
• Motivation : An effective leader knows how to generate enthusiasm and encourage self-improvement. He understands the individual needs of his team and uses them to stimulate collective performance.
• Creativity : A creative leader fosters a climate where new ideas are encouraged. This stimulates the growth and adaptation of the organization.
• Risk-taking : A good leader carefully assesses risks, makes bold decisions when necessary, and learns from failures. The ability to take calculated risks can be the key to innovation and growth.
• The ability to inspire : A leader must be an inspiration to his or her team. This means sharing a compelling vision, embodying the organization’s values, and setting an example through one’s own behavior.
• Adaptability : A leader must be flexible and able to adapt to changes. This allows them to remain relevant and responsive in an ever-changing environment.
• Knowing how to trust : a leader who trusts his team creates an environment where each employee feels responsible and, above all, valued.
• Reward good deeds and initiatives : Recognizing and rewarding the team’s hard work, achievements and innovative ideas strengthens motivation and commitment.

Key skills for effective management

Effective management, whether managing a team, a project or an organization, relies on a set of key skills:

• Strategic planning : Developing a long-term vision, setting clear goals and developing plans to achieve them helps to maintain focus and ensure consistency of actions.
• Time Management : Managers are often responsible for many tasks and priorities. Knowing how to manage your time effectively, set priorities, and meet deadlines is essential to staying productive.
• Communication : Clear and effective communication is essential for conveying instructions, sharing information, and maintaining smooth team collaboration.
• Human resources management : knowing how to recruit, train, motivate and evaluate employees allows you to maximize the potential of each individual.
• Leadership : Although leadership is often associated with the role of leader, it is also important for managers. Being an example, inspiring the team and creating a climate of trust are key aspects of managerial leadership.
• Data Analytics : The ability to collect, analyze and interpret data enables evidence-based decisions and improved performance.
• Adaptability : A manager must be able to adapt to changes at all levels so that the company can remain competitive.

Leadership and management in action

Leadership and management are two complementary elements of leadership. Leaders provide inspiration, vision, and motivation, while managers provide the structure, organization, and oversight needed to bring that vision to life. A balanced combination of these skills in action is often the key to a successful team or organization.

External manager services

The use of this transition framework is essential when a company finds itself in a decisive situation for its future. Occupying a key position on a temporary basis, this transition manager intervenes to replace someone in an emergency or to manage a crisis situation . Its intervention is also requested in the event of a major strategic event such as an acquisition, merger or preparation for disposal. In addition to supervising a team, he offers a variety of services, to name only the reinforcement of the skills of a team, the restructuring of an organization , the stimulation of growth , the increase in financial performance and results. or improving operational performance.