Manager or Leader?
The idea behind “lead, don’t manage” isn’t that management is wrong, it’s that leadership creates impact, while management maintains the “status quo”. Let’s look at why leading is often more powerful than simply managing.
A leader is a person who guides, influences and inspires others, towards achieving a shared goal or vision. A leader provides direction, makes decisions, and motivates people by example, integrity, and responsibility rather than by authority alone.
Harvard identified two management styles in the 1950’s…COP & ACE.
Control, Organise, Predict (Management)
Align, Create, Enable (Leadership).
Which do you believe works best, and why?
Leadership inspires…management controls
- Leaders motivate people through purpose, vision, and trust.
- Managers focus on rules, processes, and compliance.
People don’t give their best because they’re monitored, they do it when they believe in what they’re building.
Leaders create direction…managers maintain it
- Leadership asks “Why are we doing this, and where are we going?”
- Management asks “How do we make this run efficiently?”
Without leadership, teams may be efficient but heading in the wrong direction.
Leadership builds people…management oversees tasks
- Leaders develop talent, confidence, and ownership.
- Managers assign tasks and track performance.
Strong teams grow when people feel empowered, not micromanaged.
Leaders drive change…managers resist risk
- Leadership embraces uncertainty and innovation.
- Management often prioritises stability and predictability.
In fast-changing environments, leadership keeps organisations in the fast lane and ahead of the pack
Leaders influence without authority
- Leadership is based on trust and example.
- Management often relies on hierarchy and position.
When authority disappears, leadership remains.
Leadership creates commitment, not just compliance
- Managed teams do what they’re told.
- Led teams do what’s needed, even when no one is watching.
Take a few moments to reflect and then ask yourself: Am I a Manager or a Leader? What may need to change?
“There are only two ways to influence human behaviour: you can manipulate it or you can inspire it.”
Simon Sinek
