Managers vs Leaders: What is the Difference?

Managers and leaders are often grouped together, but they play very different roles when it comes to everyday operations, driving the bigger vision, and motivating their teams. Backed by industrial-organizational psychology, the infographic below breaks down what makes a manager and what makes a leader.

What does this mean for hiring?

Knowing the difference between managers and leaders matters most when you’re writing a job description or sitting across from a candidate. If the role needs someone to keep operations running and hit targets, you're hiring for management skills. If it needs someone to set direction and build trust, you're hiring for leadership.

When you're interviewing, ask questions and identify answers that separate the two. Do they describe delegating tasks or getting people to believe in something? Both are valuable, but they tell you different things about who you're hiring.

Looking to build out your leadership team? Talk to a Michael Page consultant about finding the right fit for your business.