Debate rages about what are the differences between leaders and managers. There are many articles and books written on this topic and yet for anyone to progress in their career it will be essential for them to recognise the difference.

Management and leadership are a continuum along which we progress in our careers if we aspire to the top jobs. You could argue that good managers make good leaders. I would disagree. There are many examples of outstanding leaders who have qualities far in excess of those required to be a good and effective manager.

The roles are different. Managers control; they operate within boundaries, like order and follow direction. Leaders on the other hand accept additional responsibility and challenge established order. Leaders will take risks, seek opportunities and use personal appeal and charm to get things done.

Many people start their careers following specific education and training and some remain as specialists through out their career. Others seek career development to progress. They become team leaders, project leaders and have to acquire the skill to adapt to changing situations and manage and lead other people.

Those that have ambition and want more progress will continue to develop through continuous career training. These moves are indicators of leadership aspiration and potential with a realisation that to continue to progress it is necessary to change career.

Each new challenge requires additional qualities. A good example being to change from say, Research Engineer to CEO would normally be achieved via a number of steps (changes).

The change from specialist to manager can be traumatic. Specialists can deal in fact, managers have to acquire flexibility and an ability to juggle a number of balls at the same time, more senior managers - leaders have to try to manage all these variables while developing strategic vision, goal setting skills and an ability to plan to achieve corporate results.

Additional skills such as strong networking abilities are essential both within and outside the organisation and in addition it is vital for leaders to maintain a healthy lifestyle with good work life balance.

Recognising some of these distinctions in the different roles will give the aspiring some idea of what career development they need to undertake if they are to rise to the pinnacle.

Have fun at work, focus on the customer, understand the value of your team. Never have a boring day. Kevin Mays

Best wishes,

Michael Harrison.

You can contact me at anytime on Bulletin@be-your-own-business-expert.com If you think this article would interest a friend or collegue please feel free to pass it on.

Use it on your web site or in your publications. All you have to do is place the following 'resource box' after each article.