What’s the Difference Between a Leader and a Manager?

There are certain qualities that set leaders apart from managers

Matthew Royse
Better Advice

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What’s the difference between a leader and a manager?
Photo by Jonas Kakaroto on Unsplash

“Leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work.” — Seth Godin, an American author, businessman, marketer, and public speaker

What makes up a leader? How about a manager? How are they different?

The terms “leader” and “manager” are often used interchangeably. However, these terms are different.

There is some overlap in the work that leaders and managers do. But there is a big difference. For example, a manager focuses on planning, organization, and coordinating, while leaders concentrate on thinking ahead about the bigger picture, inspiration, and motivation.

“Management is about arranging and telling. Leadership is about nurturing and enhancing.” — Tom Peters, an American writer

In today’s modern workplace, leadership, not management, is required to succeed. It’s crucial to understand the difference between a leader and a manager. Leaders push past being just a manager and embody specific characteristics and traits.

Here are five things that set leaders apart from managers. Let’s dive in and find out.

1. Leaders Develop a Vision

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Matthew Royse
Better Advice

11x Top Writer on Medium | 1M+ Views on Medium | Knowledge Enthusiast | Corporate Man by Day, Entrepreneur by Night | matthewroyse.com