Managers and Leaders: Are They Different?
Yvonne Harris
Dr. Lisa Miller
BUS 240-Class One
June 14, 2011
Managers and Leaders: Are They Different?
Harvard Business Review article written by Abraham Zaleznik in 1992 titled, ‘Managers and Leaders: Are they Different’, addresses the factors that distinctively outlines attributes of a manager versus those of a leader. A manager’s objectives are to achieve the best results as it relates to the goals of an organization. A leader sets those goals that are to be accomplished. According to Zaleznik, best practices vary in the way a manager and leader sets out to obtain the same objectives. Managers are problem solvers. Routine responsibilities that occur under a manager’s realm mean a manager is effective. However, when things get a little out of control, it’s the reactive approach that bridges that gap and demonstrates a manager is efficient. A manager continues to climb the uphill ladder of quality, whereas, a leader has reached a place of realization through the manner in which visualization of the intended purpose of goal setting is sought through innovation and communication.
Managerial goals are often driven by processes and practical-base circumstances. Whereas, Leaders influence change and shape the ideas for their organizations. Conceptually, a manager may be faced with limitations in their work output, while leaders will be resourceful and build a team through motivation, cohesiveness and spirit.
Zaleznik states, ‘Managers tend to view work as an enabling process involving some combination of people and ideas interacting to establish strategies and make decisions.” I agree with this statement because managers are capable, valuable and worthy of delegating responsibilities to ensure a positive outcome. By acknowledging responsibilities and being accountable for those responsibilities, a manager is able to balance conflict, performance and personal matters that will result in a successful outcome. Leaders focus their attention to ideas and
Dr. Lisa Miller
BUS 240-Class One
June 14, 2011
Managers and Leaders: Are They Different?
Harvard Business Review article written by Abraham Zaleznik in 1992 titled, ‘Managers and Leaders: Are they Different’, addresses the factors that distinctively outlines attributes of a manager versus those of a leader. A manager’s objectives are to achieve the best results as it relates to the goals of an organization. A leader sets those goals that are to be accomplished. According to Zaleznik, best practices vary in the way a manager and leader sets out to obtain the same objectives. Managers are problem solvers. Routine responsibilities that occur under a manager’s realm mean a manager is effective. However, when things get a little out of control, it’s the reactive approach that bridges that gap and demonstrates a manager is efficient. A manager continues to climb the uphill ladder of quality, whereas, a leader has reached a place of realization through the manner in which visualization of the intended purpose of goal setting is sought through innovation and communication.
Managerial goals are often driven by processes and practical-base circumstances. Whereas, Leaders influence change and shape the ideas for their organizations. Conceptually, a manager may be faced with limitations in their work output, while leaders will be resourceful and build a team through motivation, cohesiveness and spirit.
Zaleznik states, ‘Managers tend to view work as an enabling process involving some combination of people and ideas interacting to establish strategies and make decisions.” I agree with this statement because managers are capable, valuable and worthy of delegating responsibilities to ensure a positive outcome. By acknowledging responsibilities and being accountable for those responsibilities, a manager is able to balance conflict, performance and personal matters that will result in a successful outcome. Leaders focus their attention to ideas and