Leader vs. Manager

In class Wednesday we discussed the differences between a leader and a manager. We started by constructing a t-table and labeling one side as leadership and the other as management. A leader is someone who brings original ideas to the table of what their future could be or look like. They provide strategy, inspiration and have an imagination. Some objectives for a leader within an organization is to provide a sense of direction, motivate and inspire workers. On the other side of the t-table we wrote down characteristics of a manager. A manager is responsible for taking the vision of the leaders and put it into perspective and make that vision happen. They provide resources that are needed to achieve the goals within the firm. A few responsibilities of a manager are planning and budgeting, organizing and staffing, and finally controlling and problem solving.

            After making the distinction between a leader and manager, I related the characteristics to the article that was assigned to read called Vista-Sci Health Care Inc. The two key players in this article are a lady named, Jamie Hernandez and Michael Upshaw. We found Jamie to be outgoing and open with her feeling. On the negative side she likes tasks to be done her way, and her way only. A manager like this could be good for Vista-Sci Health Care because it means that she is motivated in completing her work, but on the opposite side of that Jamie might cause conflict with other workers because of her stubbornness. Michael Upshaw also has many creative ideas to bring to the table. He is less of a risk taker, but does careful accurate work. If told to do something he will gladly do what is asked of him but nothing more. This could cause conflict because his lack of motivation might not help the company excel. Between the two candidates, I personally believe that Michael would better fit this position. He does careful, accurate work and completes the job on time. Jamie has had a past history of taking time off and not being able to complete her goals for her company while taking time off. If hired, the senior VP of Vista-Sci Health Care will have to work with Michael to get him to come out of his shell.

            Carefully looking at characteristics of a leader/manager I would say my boss at the restaurant I work at called La Primavera Italiano Ristorante, could classify as a leader. Even though he has a lack of education (didn’t go to college) his experience working has created a leader. Aside from La Primavera, he also owns 2 other businesses. His type of management is similar to a book that I am reading for my finance class called, The One Minute Manager. If caught doing something wrong he will kind of have a one-minute reprimand. He will briefly tell you what you did wrong and correct your mistake while looking you straight in the eyes. One problem with this approach is his ability to remain calm. He has a lot on his plate and can be stressed out a lot. When doing this one-minute reprimand, the tone in his voice can come off as mean. This just to make sure you understand what you did and to make sure you will not make the same mistake again.