How to Answer: What is the difference between a leader and a manager?
21. What is the difference between a leader and a manager?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you understand what makes a leader stand out, and what you believe defines a leader. Just because you hold a management title, it 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 direct reports. To be an excellent leader, you should inspire others. A true leader gets people excited to buy into the vision.
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Answer Example
"I believe that the difference between a leader and manager is that a manager has the job title and the incumbents, but not necessarily the required buy-in from their team. A leader gains buy-in through inspiration."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Admin
"A leader is someone who people want to follow. A manager is someone who others feel they have to follow. I believe a manager or supervisor should be a healthy blend of both approaches so that they can earn their teams' respect organically but also maintain their authority."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Manager
"A manager is someone who has a team of people who answer to them. A leader is someone of influence. I believe that anyone can be a leader - no matter their job title or position."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Marketing
"To me, leadership is a mindset versus a title. A manager is more of a job title. Anyone can possess leadership skills, but a great manager will have leadership skills along with the ability to direct their team to success."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Retail
"I have worked with both leaders and managers. The biggest difference I can see is that a leader can be anyone who people want to follow. A leader will gain followers, and a manager merely has people who answer to them."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Sales
"In sales, a leader will tell you your goals and help you make a plan aimed at achieving those goals. Someone who is a manager will only tell you the company goals and send you on your way. I am the type of person who prefers to lead and guide. There are significant benefits to investing in those you lead."
Written by Rachelle Enns on June 11th, 2020
Teacher
"Coaching and mentoring are activities of a true leader. I firmly believe that one does not need to be in a formal management role to lead. I have students who lead other students, and it's great to see."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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