What is the difference between a leader and a manager?
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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.
"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."
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
A leader is an innate set of mind. A manager is a title, with one of its characteristics being a leader. A great manager will have leadership skills along with the ability to direct their team to success.
Rachelle's Feedback
Excellent way to divide the two. Your response is clear and easy to understand.
