Managers and Leaders: Are They Different? Essay Example

Leadership is not an easy responsibility, and therefore it is illogical for anyone to reason that since some people can figure out things on their own, others should do so. Even though some leaders seem perfect in their work without receiving any form of training, there is still a need for frequent mentorship so that they can work effectively (Avolio & Hannah, 2020). Some may argue that the best leaders are born with their skills, which is why they are perfect. But the truth remains that they still need to go through learning and training to enhance their skills and be great people in the administration they represent.  Leadership requires complex skills to be effective, and these can only be acquired through self-development, several subsequent pieces of training and numerous experiences (Avolio & Hannah, 2020). Therefore, it is wrong to presume that since another person is a good manager at work, I should be the same.

The Harvard Business review article highlights three differences between a leader and manager by explaining some tests. In my current position, I am more of a value creator than a value counter. This is because; I always focus on quality service delivery to our company’s customers. Under the Circles of influence vs Circles of power test, I am more influenced by the advice I receive from my seniors, including managers and other senior staffs. The final test is to determine whether I am more comfortable with leading or managing people. In my position, I often find myself guiding others on what to do to achieve the company’s goals. So many are the time I oversee various projects and motivate others to achieve the goals.

From the three tests, I believe I am more of a leader than a manager since my attributes match those of a leader. In conclusion, my skills and attributes are acquired and not born with. This beats the logic that a leader is born and not made.

Response to Classmates’ Post

I love that my classmate also acknowledges that leaders are made rather than born.  Avolio and Hannah (2020) argue that though studies have shown that a certain percentage of leadership attributes are inherited, some are acquired from several factors such as experience, training, and the surrounding environment. It is important to note that training is an essential element that every leader has to perfect their skills. This is because jobs vary and how one company runs its activities is different from the others (Avolio & Hannah, 2020). With adequate training, one will acquire more skills to build-up the ones they had and enhance the leadership role. Therefore, we should forego the myth that perfect leaders are born with traits rather than made through training.

My classmate also qualifies as a great leader from the test since she has very outstanding leadership qualities. According to Avolio and Hannah (2020), a great leader focuses on ensuring that their activities significantly affect the quality they are rendering. For instance, a healthcare sector leader should ensure that their actions aim to deliver quality patient care, rather than being determined on the number of clients they have attended and the income collected. A good leader also works towards making an impact instead of just overseeing projects at a distance. This means, if there is an undergoing project, as a leader, one should be on the ground and even engage themselves for the others to follow. This will help achieve the goals of a company efficiently and with no great struggles.

References

Avolio, B. J., & Hannah, S. T. (2020). An enduring leadership myth: Born a leader or made a leader? Organizational Dynamics, 49(4), 100730. Retrieved February 27, 2021, from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orgdyn.2019.08.002