Discussion Question:
From your assigned readings and outside research on the topic, consider the difference between a “manager” and a “leader.” What do you feel are the three biggest differences? What is the benefit and disadvantage of a manager, and what is the benefit and disadvantage of a leader?
Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.
Assignment Description
Leadership and Managing
This week you reflected upon the difference between a “manager” and a “leader” and discussed this concept with your classmates and professor in the discussion board. In a written essay please answer the following questions:
- What are the differences between leaders and managers? What characteristics are similar and what are different?
- Provide a total of three examples. First, of someone who has great managerial skills. Second, another individual with great leadership skills. Third, another person with poor managerial skills. These can be made up individuals or examples you have seen without any identifying information. Discuss how the staff of each individual would be affected by the skills of the leader/manager.
- Complete the Emotional Intelligence Test Discuss your scores and what they mean. What did you learn about yourself as a leader? (Note that a 10 on the EI test means strong. On the score page, click on the blue “here” under “interpreting your GEIT scores, click here” for more information on each section and what it means.
Assignment Expectations:
Length: 1500 to 2000 words total (at least 500 words per question prompt)
Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment. Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.
References: Use appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of three (3) scholarly sources are required for this assignment.
SOLUTION
Introduction
A leader is an individual with the ability to influence, guide, and motivate a group of people with an aim of achieving a common goal. A leader must have certain characteristics which include, good communication skills, compassion, and the ability to make rational decisions for them to lead effectively. According to managers are responsible for controlling or administering a part or group of people in an organization. Management entails getting things done with a formally organized group. A good manager must have qualities such as accountability, honest, flexibility, positive regard towards others. It is noteworthy that any successful organization needs both a manager to deal with the system, or organizational budgets and a leader to deal with the people within the firm.
Differences between a Manager and a Leader
There are various differences between managers and leaders, for instance, managers have an authoritative power vested in them by the organization which they pass to their subordinates (Van Wart, 2013). Managers always work on the skills that have been in existence in their work area. they are well trained and expected to deliver their best based in the organization failure to which they may be replaced. The staff members follow instructions and work with an aim to please their managers.
Managers create goals and work with an aim of achieving them within a stipulated time. They are always up to task and can only be satisfied once these goals are attained. To them exceeding the expectations and achieving greater results is what helps them get a good regard.
Leaders on the other realm, consult and decide on what to be done in the organization. They tend to be influential, take charge, and set an example for others to follow (Algahtani, 2014). They have fans and promoters who help them achieve their credibility as well as attain their goals. Leaders grow personally that is they will know when they are making a progress, are stagnant or if they are failing. They can easily change to meet the expectations of the people around them. It is through their engagement with people that they expand their thinking.
Azad et al (2017) note that leaders create visions and work with the help of their follows to attain those visions. They paint a picture of what they think is possible and transform this vision into a reality. They believe that working together as a team will result to better results and within a shorter time (Algahtani, 2014).
Benefits of a Manager and a Leader.
A leader will encourage their group towards a target and work towards achieving it. They make people within the organization to be more interactive and have proper communication amongst themselves. Leaders ensure that the employees are more productive and have the power to eliminate those that are not up to the task (Azad et al., 2017).
Leaders also boost the morale of employees through playing exemplary roles while performing various organizational chores. Please click the purchase button to access the entire copy at $7