"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." -Peter F. Drucker, American Writer, Professor and Management Consultant, Peter F. Drucker books//

Do you work for a manager or a leader? These two titles are often viewed as interchangeable, but do they really mean the same thing? Drucker suggests that they do not. Managers are concerned with "doing things right," or doing things according to standard operating procedures. Leaders are more concerned with whether or not a workgroup is "doing the right things," or doing things that are honest, true, fair, moral and just. Managers focus on the completion of tasks. Leaders focus on the development of others. Managers set clear direction and hold employees accountable to strict standards. Leaders foster open communication and encourage employees to learn from their mistakes through trial and error. Managers view employees as a means to an end. Leaders view employees as an end unto themselves. Managers focus on minimizing weaknesses. Leaders focus on maximizing strengths. Managers are concerned with immediate results. Leaders are concerned with long-term results. Managers and leaders are both "right" in different ways. It's up to you to decide, though, which kind of right meets your needs at work.

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