What does a leader look like?

In my two drawings of a leader and a manager I attempted to show the differences between the two and label my ideas in a circle representing their "world."

We all have an idea of the differences but taking the time to draw and evaluate the two people allowed me to identify the clear differences.  When I proudly presented the drawings to my daughters I was surprised with their level of interest.  Describing the two main characters and the accompanying words and drawings that surrounded them allowed me to relate my personal experiences in the two positions.

Sergeant Smith is my manager.  He is young and enthusiastic.  He is located in the center of the drawing above his officers representing a top-down strategy.  His relationship to them is linear.  He is primarily concerned with them, his subordinates.  He must be in control of them and provide stability and order.  

Written in the center of his head are some of his priorities.  He is thinking about HOW things should be done.  Behavior, compliance and rules are the focus of his thoughts.  He is less concerned with morale and commitment.

Sergeant Smith's world is represented in the circles around him.  At the top is a clock representing time management.  Next you see the manager needs to understand that management knows best and that the manager enforces the rules and organizational orders.  Quality control below stresses that things must be done right and a cup of coffee will help us stay focused on our goals. 

The manager is on the phone with his subordinates to monitor and measure activities.  He directs and gives orders.

As mentioned above the manager is drawn above the officers because he is the authority figure and must command authority and lead by command.

Following clockwise in our circle you see that the manager is concerned with the short-term results.  How do we get from A to B.  He’ll tackle Z down the road when directed to.

The manager must be measuring activities such as overtime, and the cost benefits of daily activities.

Managers use the tools they are given to do thing right.  They must measure their daily actions as opposed to the long-term results.

Teddy Roosevelt is my leader and his “World” is larger with more components.  He is also in the center of the drawing but his officers are not below him.  He carries them on his shoulders to inspire, coach and mentor.  He leads by example and when he creates change, he takes his followers from one place to another.  His managers will manage the change and ensure the ability to handle it.  Everyone is strategic to this leader and he energized everyone to be responsible for quality.

On Teddy’s right shoulder are the citizens of his community.  He is concerned for them to and understands that they should be the focus of the organization.  He is committed to the team and the individual as well as the organization and goals.  Teddy’s heart is filled with morale, commitment and principals. 

The leader emphasizes the big picture and is concerned with long term results.  He creates a plan and pays attention to process.