Defining Leadership; Leader VS Manager

Another difference is that leaders are often risk-seekers not thrill-seekers where as managers are often risk-averse. Whenever a leader sees a potential opportunity they take the risk and break the rules. However managers seek comfort; they try to avoid or resolve conflicts. They therefore try to minimize the risks by making the workplace a smoothly running stable place. This also explains that why leaders are the drivers of innovation.

The leaders focus on doing the right things and taking the right decisions and steps to achieve it. Leaders try to be effective by defining their own[linkunit] direction and paths. On the other hand a manager is work focused. They achieve the goals and tasks assigned to them. they try to manage people, time, money or any other resources. The work of a manager is more focused towards efficiency than towards effectiveness. A manger tries to get the work done through his or her subordinates within the given money and time constraints.

The long time misinterpretation of leadership is that it is the good management. However a manager and a leader are different in several fundamental ways. It is true that people are sometimes both, a leader and a manager and it is only when managers start acting as leaders. According to different styles of leadership the definition vary but the true essence of leadership remains the same.

References:
Rost, Joseph Clarence. (1993). Leadership for the twenty-first century. Greenwood Publishing Group