Managers vs. Leaders, Essay Example

According to the textbook, there are differences between managers and leaders. A good manager does not necessarily make a good leader and vice versa. Rather there are certain characteristics and traits that good managers and good leaders possess. Some of these characteristics are similar, but not the same. Exhibit 12.1, “Managers vs. Leaders” on page 399 of the text lists some characteristics assigned to managers and leaders. Managers, according to the text, do things right, follow the status quo, are short term oriented, focused on the means, are the builders, and excel in problem solving. The exhibit shows that leaders do the right things, enact change when necessary, are focused on the long-term, concerned more with the ends, are the architects, and excel at inspiring and motivating those they work with.

There are bullet points in both the managers and leaders circles that apply to me. So, I’ll go through and compare them point by point. Between the first points, I have to go with do the right things. It is not always enough to do something correctly, it needs to be just too. For the second set of points, enacting change when necessary best describes me. If something no longer works, you have to be willing to change it. I think I tend to be more long-term oriented when it comes to goal making. That being said, I am one to focus on the means over the end. I do not believe the end justifies the means, so I concern myself with ensuring the means are fair and efficient. The last two characteristics sort of go hand in hand for me, because I think that to be a good builder you have to be a great problem solver. My area is definitely motivating and inspiring the problem solves. I might have a problem solving idea or two, but the big picture, that ultimate goal is always in my head. I’m the person that keeps things on track and moving toward the prize. Looking over this analysis, more bullet points from the leaders circle than the managers circle apply to me.