Leader vs. manager 2/7
by Miki SaxonPost from Leadership Turn Image credit: lusi
This is the second in a series discussing whether Warren Bennis’ 13 differences between leaders and managers still holds in light of today’s modern workforce.
The manager maintains; the leader develops.
In today’s global economy the company that only maintains fails. And I think that applies to every part of a company—department, group, team. If the person in charge merely maintains, but doesn’t improve the parts and processes of the organization it will be passed by. Moreover, today’s workforce demands professional growth and challenge; the manger who doesn’t know how or spend the effort developing people and providing them with opportunities and help to grow will see only lowering productivity and rising turnover.
The manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people.
This one really gets me. Today’s workers won’t consider working for a manger who doesn’t focus on people and in the event they do find themselves in that position they start looking as quickly as they can hit ‘send’ on their resume. Moreover, the basis for some of the best innovation and productivity increases stems from a focus on, understanding of and willingness to change systems and structure.
What do you think?
Your comments—priceless
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 am
And…a leader pays attention to how people are affected by the systems and structure. In fact, a great leader invites his or her people to develop a system they can work within.
I enjoy reading the comparisons. Thanks for posting.
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:02 am
Hi Melody, thanks for stopping by. What you say is true, but it’s also the hallmark of a great manager.