In the top levels of the IT hierarchy, there's a distinction that many organizations don't bother to recognize--the difference between a manager and a leader. Not all great leaders are good managers, and not all great managers make good leaders. Some IT management can be both.
Why does this matter? A successful organization will have both great managers and great leaders, even if their roles are not distinctly defined as such. And if you're in IT management, you can improve your career and experience personal enrichment by learning the difference, and applying yourself to these roles at the right times.
What makes a great IT manager?
Generally, management is about doing things right. Managing people involves creating a structured environment where everyone's doing the right things at the right time, and handling the day-to-day functions that keep your organization's workflow moving along.
Managers have to be concerned with the company line. Their jobs are to coordinate planning and resources in order to accomplish the expected goals on time and within budget. A successful manager will have skills that include:
What makes a great IT leader?
Often, to be a leader means simply to do the right thing--for yourself, your team, and your organization. The right thing is not always the expected thing, which is one primary difference between a leader and a manager: while managers toe the line, leaders create the line. Having vision, and being able to articulate that vision, is generally what sets leaders apart.
It's also notable that while some managers are (or can be) great leaders, not all leaders are necessarily managers. Leaders can exist at any level, and depending on the organizational culture, they may not require a title to lead.
What are the traits of a successful leader? They include:
How IT managers become leaders
While there is a definite distinction between managers and leaders, some of the characteristics required for success overlap. It's also encouraging to note that of the desired leader traits, many of them aren't necessarily inherent--they can be learned.
As an IT manager, becoming a leader will not only benefit you in terms of personal growth, but will also help you improve your career and move up in your organization. Leaders work to develop a vision, communicate that vision, and inspire their team to work together toward realizing the shared vision.
Take the time to reassess your skills and characteristics as a manager, and identify those areas where you can improve or apply new abilities to bring leadership into your management style. Striking the right balance between management and leadership will help you become more effective and successful.
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