Leaders are effective managers, however the two are not interchangeable. To be an effective leader you need to be willing to learn and grow and then be willing to go beyond what is expected of you for your employees. Your ultimate goal as a leader needs to be to help your employees to achieve success and to inspire them.
The main differences between a manager and a leader are as follows:
A leader INNOVATES and a manager ADMINISTERS
A leader is looking ahead in their industry. They are staying on top of the game and what is up and coming in order to be effective in their business. A manager simply administers what practices have already been established.
A manager COUNTS VALUE, but a leader CREATES VALUE
If you are willing to invest in your employees and spend time making them better at their job, you are creating value rather than just simply counting it and trying to attain established value. This in turn will create more dedicated employees.
A manager focuses on SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURE and a leader focuses on PEOPLE
What is your primary concern? Your company being effective and doing what is best for your company and your paycheck, or the people who work for you?
A manager RELIES ON CONTROL, but a leader INSPIRES TRUST
Do you find yourself frequently concerned that your employees are going behind your back? You may be relying on control. Instead focus on inspiring trust in your workers and they will in turn, respect you.
A manager ACCEPTS THE STATUS QUO, but a leader CHALLENGES THE STATUS QUO
Doing what all your competitors are doing, won’t make you exponentially successful. You may be able to get by, but as a leader you are most likely wanting to succeed. That is why leaders challenge the status quo in their business to see new results.
Are your eyes always focused on the bottom line or are they on the horizon looking towards new goals, innovation, and your employees? A shift in the way you lead could be the shift you need in your business.