Are You a Leader or a Manager? There’s a Big Difference
Today’s guest post is from Mark Dreistadt, founder of Infinity Concepts in Pittsburgh. Infinity is an advertising, marketing and donor development firm that has created the “DNA Workshop”—helping organizations discover their unique identity. Mark’s post is a challenge for leaders to understand the differences between Leadership and Management:
When it comes to the differences between leadership and management, far too often, the terms are used interchangeably, but they are really quite different from one another.
The manager’s job is to plan, organize and coordinate; the leader’s job is to inspire and motivate.
The manager administers; the leader innovates.
The manager thinks short-term; the leader thinks long-term.
The manager maintains; the leader develops.
The manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people.
The manager is transactional; the leader is transformational.
The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust.
The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why.
The manager has his or her eye always on the bottom line (and they need to); the leader’s eye is always on the horizon.
The manager imitates; the leader originates.
The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it.
The manager is the classic good soldier; the leader is his or her own person.
The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing.
Leaders need to be managers, and managers need to be leaders. Determine where you are strong, and build up your weak side. Never presume because you are a good leader that you are managing well. Neither should you presume that because you are a good manager you are functioning as a good leader.
Both skill sets can be learned—and both need to be intentionally cultivated. 
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Phil Cooke is the founder and CEO of Cooke Pictures in Burbank, California (cookepictures.com)where he helps church, ministry, and nonprofit organizations engage the culture more effectively. He's a filmmaker, media consultant, and author of "Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media."
More from Phil Cooke or visit Phil at philcooke.com
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