Differences Between Managers and Leaders

Both managers and leaders play an important role in organizations. However, in my
considered view there is a huge difference between leaders and managers. When one is promoted
to a managerial position, they do not automatically become a leader. A leader is driven by a
vision for an organization while managers seek to accomplish certain goals. Leaders aim to
inspire their followers to ensure that they implement the vision they have for the organization.
Managers set goals and seek to ensure that organizations achieve the set goals. Leaders focus on
creating change in an organization while managers are content with the status quo. Leaders
innovate and ensure that a better way forward is achieved. Managers ensure that they stick with
processes that have been proven to work in the past. Leaders employ new techniques while
managers copy. Leaders aim to ensure that they implement the unique ideas that they believe
will contribute towards the success of an organization. Leaders are willing to generate ideas that
stand out. On the other hand, managers copy ideas and implement ideas that have been seen to
work in the past. Leaders are risk takers while managers aim to control the risk. Leaders are
willing to try new ideas that are seen to be risky. They use failure to progress forward. Managers
are risk averse. They aim to minimize the possibility of risks.
Differences Between Men and Women in Leadership
Men and women have various differences that are manifested in different aspects of life.
Men and women are equally effective in leadership. However, men and women respond
differently when confronted by various problems (Kabacoff, 1998). Men excel in observation of
others and themselves. Women focus on achieving results and in the process proving their worth
in an organization. While men are autocratic in nature, women are democratic. Women have
good people skills that make them relate well with people. Men are rated highly in business

skills. Women express their emotions and are willing to push themselves hard to achieve a goal.
Evidently, while men and women excel in different areas, they are equally effective leaders.
Leading the Merger
I believe that participative and delegative leadership styles will be best equipped to lead
the merger. Leading mergers can be difficult and this means that involving all employees in
decision making can help ensure that the organization attains the best results.

Reference

Kabacoff, R. I. (1998). Gender differences in organizational leadership. Portland, ME:
Management Research Group. Retrieved from
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