There are several strong themes I see in leadership development and executive coaching this year. 

One is “How can I increase engagement and motivation in my team/company?” Another: “How to be more assertive and have healthier boundaries?” and yet another “Is there a difference between being a manger and a leader? And if so, who am I supposed to be?”

This is what I tell my clients: Yes, there is a difference. 

Actually, there are many, so here is just a simplified snapshot:

In all fairness, not every manager can be a good leader, and many great leaders are not effective as managers. And that’s OK, because the world needs both. 

Personally, I think that the lines are blurring, and the managers will have to learn how to be leaders to be successful with the rapidly changing workforce. 

Luckily, there are already many people who are doing a great job at being both a manager, and a leader. These are the outliers in our dramatic times. 

The pandemic has shown that many typical managerial functions might be just a part of the workplace status quo. People can manage themselves to a large degree these days, but they can’t lead themselves well. But that’s a topic for another article;-)

Over to you: Now that you know there is a difference, are you a manager, or a leader? 

More for you:

Book: “Humanocracy” by Gary Hammel and Michele Zanini

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