ABSTRACT
As defined in Webster Dictionary, a leader is A person who causes others to go with him,
by persuasive guidance (Webster, 2002). A Manager is defined as a person controlling or
administering a business (Webster, 2002). The obvious difference between the 2 definitions
is that the leader is one who is followed, inspires and often leads by example, while a
manager usually is concerned with only controlling and administering without necessarily
leading his subordinates. In other words, a leader must be a manager, but a manager does
not necessarily need to be a leader.
The Challenge to create Leaders
All companies need both managers and leaders. In most cases, and as mentioned before,
there are individuals who are strong managers but not necessarily strong leaders. In rare
cases, there are some who are strong leaders but may not necessarily be strong managers.
Therefore, it is the company challenge to develop managers into leaders and leaders into
managers. Managing is a subset of leadership. A good leader should both lead and manage
well.
The Advantages of Being a Leader
The chart shown below, which was retrieved from Landscapemanagement.com, and
written by Stephanie Rios, illustrates a few major points and differences when managing
and leading.
When I manage, I When I lead, I
Provide structure Use imagination
Ask “how” and “when” Talk strategy
See the bottom line See the horizon
Do things right Do the right thing
Give answers Ask questions
Use common sense Ask why
The chart clearly defines the tendency of the leader to act and to involve others in the
decision making. Because of this, leaders create the atmosphere of sharing and allow
