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Are you more of a leader or a manager?

This may be one of the most important questions we have to answer as our careers take us to new roles.

Every organization needs both. There is no shame in either answer, but it’s important we know the difference. We need to figure out which one we do best and then try to arrange our career where we can realize our best potential.

There are lots of descriptions of each role. I’ve written about it numerous times. And, I understand some argue they are the same. But, I simply don’t believe it.

In the book “Reviewing Leadership”, the authors Banks and Ledbetter write, “Leadership and management are two distinct yet related systems of action. They are similar in that each involves influence as a way to move ideas forward, and both involve working with people. Both are also concerned with end results. Yet the overriding functions of leadership and management are distinct. Management is about coping with complexity – it is responsive. Leadership is about coping with change – it too is responsive, but mostly it is proactive. More chaos demands more management, and more change always demands more leadership. In general, the purpose of management is to provide order and consistency to organizations, while the primary function of leadershp is to produce change and movement.”

I think that’s a great summary of the differences between leadership and management for organizations and individuals to consider.

Too many times we ask good managers to be great leaders or good leaders to be great managers. The problem with being in the wrong fit is we tend to burn out more quickly when we are not able to live out our giftedness. In addition, we frustrate the people we are supposed to be leading or managing and ultimately we keep the organization from being the best it can be.

Do a self-evaluation of which you are more skilled at doing.

Are you a better leader or a better manager?

Don’t try to be someone you are not.

Through experience I’ve learned I identify with one of these roles more than the other. One description fires me up and the other drains me. (Can you guess which one fires me up?) One comes more naturally for me and the other I struggle to learn – and attempt to delegate when possible.

What about you? Are you in your proper fit? Do you see the difference?

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Ron Edmondson

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Comments (13)

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Hunter Burney's avatar

Hunter Burney · 704 weeks ago

Good stuff Ron! No question you are more inspired by being a leader.
1 reply · active 704 weeks ago
Thanks Hunter...you got it!
That manager that's trying to be my leader is burning me out!
1 reply · active 704 weeks ago
Ron, this was a great post. To be honest, it was refreshing to read. I've read too many articles and books lately that criticized managers for not being better leaders. I know everyone can learn to be a better leader but some are wired up to be good managers. For once, someone encouraged people to live up to their gifting and calling and not what sells another book!
1 reply · active 704 weeks ago
Thanks Eric. I do believe the two are separate.
Spot on! Not many people acknowledge the important roles managers play in an organizational structure. Being misplaced in leadership or management can be very damaging to the organization, and can so immobilize the employees (business world) or ministers (church world) that they give up on what could be...
1 reply · active 704 weeks ago
Thanks. I agree. We need better management...as well as better leadership.
Every leader needs a manager who's onboard with him/her
1 reply · active 704 weeks ago

4 Reasons Why I Hate Policies and What to Do About It | Ron Edmondson

[...] Lead rather than manage – Management is much about implementing policies and seeing they are adhered to completely. Leadership sets a vision and guides people towards it. Less policies are needed in that process. (I wrote about that HERE) [...]
Expose very meaningful because I think that’s a great summary of the differences between leadership and management for organizations and individuals to consider. After all I am so pleased and benefited to get there this concept of Leader or Manager for a company at all. Thanks and inform like this...
I work like a leader because there is a lot of difference between a leader and mangers. Leader listens the problem of labour and try to solve it but the manager only thinks about the organization. If you need business help then you can visit our website we are offering different services that will help you in business.

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