Lead Lines

Are You a Leader or a Manager: How to tell the difference

Call center managers have a tough job in motivating a group of sales reps every day. It is much easier, and much more enjoyable, to behave like a leader, and not just a manager. The changingminds.org article “Leadership vs. Management” discusses the difference between managers and leaders, such as:

• Managers have subordinates; leaders have followers.

• Managers are authoritarian; leaders are charismatic.

• Managers are work-focused; leaders are people-focused.

• Managers maintain stability; leaders take risks.

• Managers appeal to the head; leaders appeal to the heart.

• Managers take credit; leaders give credit to others.

• Managers blame others; leaders take the blame.

“This is, of course, an illustrative characterization, and there is a whole spectrum between either ends of these scales along which each role can range. And many people lead and manage at the same time, and so may display a combination of behaviors,” the author concludes.