Before coming to Sauder and learning about human resources and managements, I have always assumed that a leader and a manager do the same thing.  But, after learning and reading more into the subject, I have learnt that they play completely separate roles.

The main takeaway I had from the lecture on leadership in our class was that managers are people who set day to day objectives and goals, delegate workload, and maintain a good workforce environment, whilst leaders are people who are innovative and unique, who have vision for the future, growth and development of the organization.

I also came across a very informative article on Forbes that outlines “9 Differences Between Being a Leader and a Manager”.

In my opinion, one of the best points in the article was, “leaders are change agents, managers maintain the status quo”, where it says that leaders are “proud disrupters” and can “accept the fact that changes to the system often create waves”.  I really enjoyed this because I personally adopt the mentality that well planned and well executed change, no matter of what magnitude, can bring about better outcomes, even if there are many road bumps along the way.  To me, the hard work and struggles are what make the process of me doing any task worthwhile, and also makes me feel more accomplished at the end of the day.

The rest of the article basically implies that managers are more systematic people whilst leaders have a voice and are more outspoken.  Having said that, I do think that both leaders and managers are essential for any organization to be successful.

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Sources:

“9 Differences Between Being A Leader And A Manager.”  Forbes.  15 Nov, 2016.  <https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2016/11/15/9-differences-between-being-a-leader-and-a-manager/#799193bf4609>