Leaders & Managers

I once read an article that points out the differences between a leader and a manager which I find rather apt. A manager is one who maintains a system that has already been put in place and ensures its smooth running(think factory). His main role is only to ensure the smooth running of the system and could only solve minor problems that could have arise. A leader on the other hand would most probably be the one who came up with that system and deals with any major problems that can pop up.

From my opinion a leader should be one who do not have to be the best in everything within the team, his role is to be able to bring the whole team together and utilize every members' talents and abilities to bring out the full potential of the team. Of course the leader himself must know a basic minimum of everything in order to be able to communicate with the rest of the team and come up with a plan/strategy. He should also be one who solves problems met by the team by either from his own experience/thinking or by tapping on the expertise of the other members. At no point can he push the blame to the other members, rather he should be the one who accepts all responsibilities on behalf of the team. The leader must not micro-manage but should always supervise the progress of the team. As the link between the various members in the team, he should also be the one who mediate any conflicts and be willing to accept all ideas. Only then can he command the respect of the team in order to lead them.

Actually I'm just venting some steam from a recent encounter where a 'leader' enforces others to his idea, giving out instructions to all. When problems started coming up, he simply start to show his attitude and pushes the blame to others for not listening and supporting him where in fact everyone were acting on his instructions. The now-mellow CX would most definitely avoid confrontation at all cost for the sake of peace and harmony, but should I be on a bad mood that day, I would most definitely flame his ass and throw him out. Leader? MY ASS!