Managers vs. Leaders.

Many organizations use the term "leadership team" to describe their management team. 

This does not sit well with me.  Not only does it imply that all the managers are leaders, it also implies that if you're not a manger then you're just not a leader.

I doubt many would argue that Manager does not equal Leader, and vice versa.

I've seen many mangers that are horrible leaders and many leaders that are not managers.  I've also seen managers that are great leaders.

It made me think.  How would I describe the difference between a manager and a leader?  And more importantly, what do great managers and leaders do to be considered great?

Lucky for me someone else already did this.  Marcus Buckingham (a consultant and speaker on management practices) beautifully articulates this.

A great leader, states Marcus, discovers what is universal between a group of diverse people, and helps rally them towards a better future.  One that address the groups uniqueness.  They help the group to see a vision of a possible future, and then get them all working towards achieving the common vision.

A great manager, on the other hand, discovers what is unique about each individual and capitalizes on that.  They help each individual turn their talent into performance.

So, a great leader discovers what is universal about a team.  Conversly, a great manager discovers what is unique about each individual in a team.

So what are you?  A great manager?  A great leader?  Or both?

What can you do tomorrow to discover what is universal, or unique, about those that you lead?

with Metta.