...because there is a difference you know. A big difference. and not recognising this and where each comes into play could make or break your business. Of course, you really need be both, but its vital to recognise the difference. Sometimes when things go wrong we naturally ask why did such and such happen or so and so let me down? Did we manage the situation badly or did we fail to demonstrate effective leadership? So what's the difference? OK, well, the first its probably a good starting point to define the two terms. A leader is someone who provides direction, vision and guidance. A person who can point the way forward along a path of achieving a set of goals. A manager provides more hands-on management. Rather than focussing on goals, a manager helps people to fulfil their employment responsibilities with as much success as possible. A successful business needs both, I'd suggest. SMEs in particular often need to look to their owners to provide both management and leadership and this is when problems can occur because this combination isn't often found naturally in many people. However, with a bit of work, the skill-sets for both can be developed, and this allows a transactional relationship between the two to develop. In other words, its possible to learn to be able to switch between the two when running your business. It's important to make this developmental leap because otherwise your business might suffer.

 If you are only a manager  - Your vision might be too myopic
                                          - You struggle to adapt to changing operating conditions
                                          - Your competition might overtake you

 If you are only a leader     - Day to day operations might struggle
                                         - profit margins could slip
                                         - Vision might be too complex
                                         - Purchasing fails and customers leave you.

 So weather you veer to one side or the other, be aware of your shortcomings. Put procedures in place to ensure everyday tasks get done and employee confidence in your business remains high. Talk to your people and share your vision for the business. Ask their opinions and listen to them, and to your customers. Keep your vision simple and sell it to your people, and maintain your focus on this vision.

 Sometimes, keeping your feet firmly on the ground will actually help you to fly higher!

 ( image from http://businessphereconsulting.com/how-to-be-a-better-leader-what-to-do-to-be-a-good-manager/       Another great article on manager or leader)