{"id":3241,"date":"2020-12-05T23:18:34","date_gmt":"2020-12-05T22:18:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-693453-2291131.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=3241"},"modified":"2023-04-22T02:32:47","modified_gmt":"2023-04-22T00:32:47","slug":"leader-vs-manager","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/","title":{"rendered":"Leader vs. Manager: What is the difference between Leader and Manager?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The terms \u2018Leader\u2019 and \u2018Manager\u2019 are always thought to be synonymous with each other. This notion is incorrect as they have different meanings. Where a Leader acts towards a vision, managers\u2019 actions are always goal-driven. Leading vs. managing is brought out by the element of \u2018Innovation\u2019, which is imperative in Leaders and absent in Managers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read also:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/furlough-vs-layoff\/\">What is the difference between Furlough and Layoff?<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660542b5eaf76\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660542b5eaf76\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#understanding-leader-vs-manager-definitions-for-clarity\" title=\"Understanding leader vs. manager definitions for clarity\">Understanding leader vs. manager definitions for clarity<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#who-is-a-leader\" title=\"Who is a Leader?\">Who is a Leader?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#who-is-a-manager\" title=\"Who is a Manager?\">Who is a Manager?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#looking-at-the-similarities-between-a-leader-and-a-manager\" title=\"Looking at the similarities between a leader and a manager\">Looking at the similarities between a leader and a manager<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#can-one-become-a-leader-without-being-a-manager\" title=\"Can one become a leader without being a manager?\">Can one become a leader without being a manager?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#can-someone-do-both-leading-and-managing\" title=\"Can someone do both leading and managing?\">Can someone do both leading and managing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#what-is-a-team-without-a-leader-called\" title=\"What is a team without a leader called?\">What is a team without a leader called?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#can-a-leader-be-a-good-manager\" title=\"Can a leader be a good manager?\">Can a leader be a good manager?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#whats-the-difference-between-team-lead-vs-manager\" title=\"What\u2019s the Difference between team lead vs. manager?\">What\u2019s the Difference between team lead vs. manager?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#what-makes-a-manager-a-good-leader\" title=\"What makes a manager a good leader?\">What makes a manager a good leader?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#what-qualifies-you-to-be-a-leader\" title=\"What qualifies you to be a leader?\">What qualifies you to be a leader?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#are-leaders-born-or-made\" title=\"Are leaders born or made?\">Are leaders born or made?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#who-can-be-a-great-leader\" title=\"Who can be a great leader?\">Who can be a great leader?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#do-we-need-leaders\" title=\"Do we need leaders?\">Do we need leaders?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#what-is-a-natural-leader\" title=\"What is a natural leader?&nbsp;\">What is a natural leader?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#top-6-differences-between-a-leader-and-a-manager\" title=\"Top 6 differences between a leader and a manager\">Top 6 differences between a leader and a manager<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#is-a-leader-better-than-a-manager\" title=\"Is a leader better than a manager?\">Is a leader better than a manager?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#comparison-chart\" title=\"Comparison Chart\">Comparison Chart<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/leader-vs-manager\/#comparison-video\" title=\"Comparison Video\">Comparison Video<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"understanding-leader-vs-manager-definitions-for-clarity\"><\/span>Understanding leader vs. manager definitions for clarity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"who-is-a-leader\"><\/span>Who is a Leader?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A leader is a person with a vision who guides his followers with his actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"who-is-a-manager\"><\/span>Who is a Manager?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A manager is a person having the skills to control and guide a group to achieve a definite goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"looking-at-the-similarities-between-a-leader-and-a-manager\"><\/span>Looking at the similarities between a leader and a manager<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some leading vs. managing similarities that must be noticed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Both leaders and managers exist at different levels of an organization.<\/li><li>They have a group of people to guide and encourage.<\/li><li>They constantly develop their skills and remain flexible to suit the needs of the group they are guiding.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"can-one-become-a-leader-without-being-a-manager\"><\/span>Can one become a leader without being a manager?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, a leader has nothing to do with being a manager. To be a manager, holding that designation is a must. But to be a leader, one can or cannot be a manager. A leader can lead even out of the managerial position simply by influence and inspiration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"can-someone-do-both-leading-and-managing\"><\/span>Can someone do both leading and managing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Where leaders are born with some innate art to make others follow them, managers graduate every year from universities across the globe after learning management science. That said, if one happens to be born with a natural talent of both leading and managing people well, he would be termed as the best in the business world.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-a-team-without-a-leader-called\"><\/span>What is a team without a leader called?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A team is only called so when it works in unison towards achieving certain goals. And a leader is a must to drive them all to achieve set goals with efficiency. A team without a team leader isn\u2019t considered a team in the first place, as the followers will be clueless about what to do.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"can-a-leader-be-a-good-manager\"><\/span>Can a leader be a good manager?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, a leader can be a good manager if, apart from using his influence, he uses some managerial skills too. Such skills must be directed towards harmonizing the efforts of the organization and personnel strategically to achieve certain goals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"whats-the-difference-between-team-lead-vs-manager\"><\/span>What\u2019s the Difference between team lead vs. manager?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A team lead is concerned about the interests of the team he is managing, whereas a manager is more concerned about the interests of the organization he is working for.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-makes-a-manager-a-good-leader\"><\/span>What makes a manager a good leader?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Managers are always thought to be good at copying others. But if a manager can set the trend and make other people follow it too by motivating them, he is a good leader.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-qualifies-you-to-be-a-leader\"><\/span>What qualifies you to be a leader?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A leader leads from the front and is known to set examples. He is known to get the work done without giving any orders. So, when people simply follow someone even without being told to do so, he is a \u2018Leader\u2019 already.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"are-leaders-born-or-made\"><\/span>Are leaders born or made?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaders are thought to be born and not made. The intrinsic qualities like physiological attributes and intelligence quotient are more inherent than acquired. That said, many contemporary thought schools are rendering this theory old and redundant. This is because they feel that leadership can be acquired through learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"who-can-be-a-great-leader\"><\/span>Who can be a great leader?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A person is thought to be a great leader who is extremely empowering and overly positive. These qualities are cited as imperative to constantly drive followers to perform their best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"do-we-need-leaders\"><\/span>Do we need leaders?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is said that most humans are followers in their lives and need to be explained rules, driven in the right direction, and provided a fixed structure and boundaries to perform within. This lends them a sense of security. And all this is possible only if we have leaders to follow.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-is-a-natural-leader\"><\/span>What is a natural leader?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A natural leader is the one that doesn\u2019t acquire leadership qualities by learning. Rather all such qualities are inherent in them. They are the ones whose real-life experiences are taught as case studies in business schools to make future leaders. A few natural leaders are Bill Gates, Martin Luther King Jr., Walt Disney, Theodore Roosevelt, and Arianna Huffington.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"top-6-differences-between-a-leader-and-a-manager\"><\/span>Top 6 differences between a leader and a manager<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference between leading and managing is brought out in this table:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table alignfull\"><table><thead><tr><th>Basis<\/th><th>Leader<\/th><th>Manager<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Followers<\/td><td>A leader has followers to show the right path.<\/td><td>A manager doesn\u2019t have followers but team members to handle.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Visionary<\/td><td>Leaders are visionaries who set goals for others.<\/td><td>Managers are not visionaries but help people achieve the goals set by a leader.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Setting examples&nbsp;<\/td><td>A leader sets an example for his followers with his action-oriented behavior.<\/td><td>A manager doesn\u2019t set an example but guides to his team members.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Title or rank<\/td><td>A leader might or might not have a title.<\/td><td>A manager holds a title and is responsible for the results achieved by his group.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Born or made<\/td><td>Leaders are generally born and have natural abilities to influence people with their actions. It is difficult to impart leadership qualities.<\/td><td>A manager can both be born or made. It is easy to impart managerial qualities.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Decision making<\/td><td>A leader steps into the shoes of his followers while making decisions. He allows his followers to participate.<\/td><td>A manager is goal-oriented and wants to achieve the team goals quickly. Generally, a manager only provides directions to his group and hardly allows them to participate.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is-a-leader-better-than-a-manager\"><\/span>Is a leader better than a manager?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, a leader is better than a manager in many ways but cannot be called a replacement of the same. An organization requires both a good leader and a good manager to be successful in its ventures. A leader will set goals for the company, and the manager will help to achieve them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"comparison-chart\"><\/span>Comparison Chart<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"574\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/leader-vs-manager-comparison-chart-574x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Leader vs. Manager: Let\u2019s discuss their key differences, similarities, pros &amp; cons, define which is better, and finally, answer some frequently asked questions (FAQ)\" class=\"wp-image-3249\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/leader-vs-manager-comparison-chart-574x1024.jpg 574w, https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/leader-vs-manager-comparison-chart-168x300.jpg 168w, https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/leader-vs-manager-comparison-chart-767x1368.jpg 767w, https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/leader-vs-manager-comparison-chart-862x1536.jpg 862w, https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/leader-vs-manager-comparison-chart-1149x2048.jpg 1149w, https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/leader-vs-manager-comparison-chart-788x1404.jpg 788w, https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/leader-vs-manager-comparison-chart.jpg 1122w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 574px) 100vw, 574px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"comparison-video\"><\/span>Comparison Video<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Top 10 Differences Between Managers and Leaders\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8ubRzzirRKs?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.difference101.com\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Top 10 Differences Between Managers and Leaders<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leader vs. Manager: Let\u2019s discuss their key differences, similarities, pros &amp; cons, define which is better, and finally, answer some frequently asked questions (FAQ) <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3248,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_gspb_post_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[526],"tags":[831,527,528],"offerexpiration":[],"lang":"en","translations":{"en":3241,"fr":5897,"de":11038},"pll_sync_post":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3241"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3241"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3241\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11017,"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3241\/revisions\/11017"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3241"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3241"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3241"},{"taxonomy":"offerexpiration","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.difference101.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/offerexpiration?post=3241"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}