A Birdseye View of the Distinction Between Leaders and Managers
Leaders and managers have some of the same attributes and skillsets, and at times tend to
mirror each other. Leaders are not always managers; however, they can assume the roles and
responsibilities of a manager. For example, when one takes on a leader-manager role or a managerleader role, one may stop in the middle of the role and decide whether one wants to manage or lead.
It comes down to when one should lead and when one should manage. “The manager administers
and the leader innovates; managers rely on control; leaders inspire trust” (Bennis, 1988).