Leaders vs. Managers: What's the Difference?

Every generation of managers and leaders face challenges unique to the times. Today’s organizations are experiencing unprecedented change and disruption at a pace we have not seen for decades. With rapid technological advancements, the development of complex globalization, and a diverse and dispersed workforce, these challenges require innovation and responsiveness to maintain organizational sustainability. One of the best approaches organizations have to navigate these changing times is building impactful business managers and organizational leaders allowing them not only to survive but thrive! 

Degrees in both business administration and organizational leadership provide expertise that is crucial to advance effective business practices and drive success within the organization. Deciding on a degree path and finding a niche in the business world takes some self-reflection and examination of how best you can contribute to an organization’s overall success. 

Both degrees prepare students for leadership roles, but they each have a distinct focus and perspective. An organizational leadership degree places more emphasis on human behavior and leadership dynamics, while a business administration degree is more focused on business operations and strategic management. 

While organizational leadership and business administration degrees differ, they also share some important characteristics. Fundamentally, they lay the groundwork for understanding effective strategies in helping the organization achieve its goals and objectives. These overlapping commonalities include:

• Communication - Effective communication is crucial in both leadership and management. Leaders must be able to clearly articulate organizational mission, vision, and strategic goals. Managers must be able to communicate varied expectations and complex details for business efficiency. 
• Strategic Analysis and Execution - Leaders and managers must be able to derive appropriate strategies and ensure their effective implementation. Being able to analyze systems and processes is vital to achieving organizational goals. 
• Decision-Making - Leaders must be able to make critical decisions on effective strategies for aligning the organizational vision and goals. Managers must decide on strategies to optimize bottom-line outcomes. 
• Adaptability - With advancing technology and the need for continual change and innovation, adaptability is becoming one of the top soft skills needed for both leaders and managers. 
• Conflict Resolution - Conflicts are inevitable; therefore, both leaders and managers must use appropriate strategies to mediate and diffuse conflicts in the workplace for establishing long-term healthy resolutions. 

So, how do you find the right fit when choosing a degree path? Start by asking these self-reflective questions: 

• Do I want to focus on areas such as finance, marketing, and accounting OR team development, change initiatives, and organizational dynamics? 
• Do I feel more comfortable with solid business operations OR forward-thinking leadership strategies?
• Do I prefer to align with the bottom-line business side of the organization OR analyze strategies for organizational change and employee development? 

Answers to these questions help provide insight into your personal strengths and long-term goals. Unlocking your potential in leadership or management provides a career path that can not only help transform the organization but also bring personal development and fulfillment.

 Some specific topics covered in the Organizational Leadership program: 

• Strategic planning and decision-making
• Change management
• Conflict resolution
• Organizational behavior
• Human resources management
• Team building and development
• Communication 

 Common career paths:

• Training and Development Specialists (Average Annual Salary is $64,340) 
• Social and Community Service (Average Annual Salary is $77,030)
• Business Development Manager (Average Annual Salary is $125,040)
• Public Relations/Fundraising Manager (Average Annual Salary is $130,480)
• Nonprofit Executive Director 
• Project Coordinator
• Human Resources Director

Some specific topics covered in the Business Administration program:

• Marketing 
• Managerial Accounting
• Economics
• Finance
• International Business
• Business law
• Human resources

Common career paths:

• Accountant/Auditor (Average Annual Salary is $79,880)
• Budget Analyst (Average Annual Salary is $84,940)
• Financial Analyst/Examiner (Average Annual Salary is $99,890)
• Project Manager (Average Annual Salary is $98,580)
• Marketing Research Analyst (Average Annual Salary is $74,680)
• Labor Relations Specialists (Average Annual Salary is $89,980)
• Healthcare Administration (Average Annual Salary is $110,680)

Organizations today need both strong organizational leaders and business managers. These dual roles can work harmoniously to drive optimal organizational success. Whether a leadership or management degree plays into your career trajectory, you will gain vital knowledge and skills to impact the organization and pursue your own personal ambitions and goals.