What is the difference between a leader and a manager?
The interviewer would like to know that you understand what makes a leader genuinely stand out. Just because you are a manager, that does not mean you are a leader.
A real leader is someone who makes others want to jump on board with their mission and follow them. A manager is just someone who has people under them. To be an excellent leader, you should offer a balance between the two. You need to be able to have people buy into your vision but at the same time, show authority when necessary.
"A manager is someone who has a team of people who answer to them. That person simply has the responsibility of 'managing' the team's work. A leader, on the other hand, is someone of influence and, I believe, anyone can be a leader - no matter their job title or position."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Sometimes you hear the phrase "He or she is a born leader." A leader is defined as a person who commands a group, organization or country. Through positive communication, a leader can inspire those around them to follow their directives. On the other hand, "manager" is merely a title. A manager might not be an effective leader because they cannot effectively communicate with their team.
Mary's Feedback
Many organizations look for leaders instead of managers- great job discussing the difference. Consider incorporating what you have done to develop or improve your leadership skills.
Sometimes you hear the phrase "He or she is a born leader." A leader is defined as a person who commands a group, organization or country. Through positive communication, a leader can inspire those around him to follow their directives. Whereas a manager is merely a title. A manager might not be an effective leader because they cannot effectively communicate with their team. To develop my leadership skills, I have [i.e. attending leadership training programs, solicited feedback on my communication style, worked with mentors on annual individual development plans, supervised a team of X individuals...etc.].
Anonymous Answer
A leader in my eyes leads from the front. A manager is just a title but a leader is someone that is effective in communication. Positive influence on everyone around him and a great role model.
Marcie's Feedback
Consider rephrasing your answer like below:
While both leaders and managers oversee others, in my opinion, a leader is someone who truly inspires, motivates, and pushes employees to do their best. People voluntarily follow leaders, whereas they simply work underneath managers because they must. A leader is positive, decisive, empathetic, and an exceptional communicator and role model. As I progress in my career, I strive to lead others instead of simply managing them.
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