There is a big difference between being a manager and being a leader. I will not act as if I am the expert on the subject, but I can share my perspective based on over ten years of experience.
Definitions and Distinctions
The proper thing for me to do is give the definition of manager and leader. My source is https://www.merriam-webster.com if you want to fact check me. A manager is defined as a person who conducts business or household affairs, and a leader is defined as a person who has commanding authority or influence.
The Manager’s Role
In the business world, a manager is someone who directs others on the tasks they are supposed to be doing. They ensure that the work is getting done, sometimes in the way they want it done, and are held accountable by their managers. You can find some managers who are micro-managers and seem to want to tell you every step you should take to do the task and “hover” over you until it is done. Other managers will give you some freedom but try to keep you on task. I am not saying all managers are bad; there are great managers who will have your back and help you get the resources you need to get things done.
The Leader’s Approach
Leaders are those who motivate you, give you the freedom to get the tasks done, and mentor you. They will communicate the high-level goals and let you determine how to reach those goals. They are great communicators and mentors who push for you to be the best while not dictating every move you make. A leader should know their own strengths and weaknesses so they can help make the team better. Know when to hold them and know when to fold them!
Learning from Experience
Throughout my career, I have had great managers, but I have also had some who could use some work. They were focused on their own careers and would easily throw their team under the bus to make sure they looked good. They did not listen and could not move past their own egos. I have tried to take the good from each manager I have had to create my own style.
My Leadership Philosophy
I would like to think I am a leader as I strive to give my team the freedom while also sharing my experience and what I have done wrong so they can learn from it without having to make the same mistakes.
I don’t try to be the most experienced person in the room, but I pride myself in knowing my craft. As a software engineer, when I work with the team, they know I have been there and done that, and not just summarizing the latest tech talk that I skimmed over.
Closing Thoughts
I could go into details in all topics above in this post, but then I would run out of topics for other posts right? So stay tuned and I will give you my thoughts in more depth, if you stick around long enough 😀
