Managers or Leaders, which is the way? – Francis O.A.

Managers or Leaders, which is the way? As dictionary defines, DNA means substance carrying organism's genetic information: that is the major component of chromosomes and carries genetic information. DNA, which is found in all living organisms except some viruses, reproduces itself and is the means by which hereditary characteristics pass from one generation to the next. Full form deoxyribonucleic acid. Another meaning says: Makeup of something: the combination of features that make something what it is i.e. The company or Individual clearly has success in its DNA. The DNA in Dora Nkem Akunyili that this country needs to tap into are countless, this present generation needs the robust pedigree of such a one like DNA – Dora Nkem Akunyili to be able to fulfil the saying: we are the leaders of tomorrow. Management and leadership skills are often regarded as one and the same to many businesses. While the two inherently share many similar characteristics, they differ in that not all managers are leaders, but all leaders are managers. There are complementary qualities inexorably linked to each other, and any attempt to extricate one from the other is impossible. Whereas the manager exists to plan, organize and coordinate, a leader serves to inspire and motivate. Militarily speaking, a manager is the battlefield general while the leader is the commander-in-chief. Qualities of a Manager A manager is considered a copy of the leader, responsible for communicating the rules and philosophies of the family, society, nation and the cosmos at large, and insuring that they abide by them. For a manager, his or her relationships with employees are determined by a hierarchical management system, and rarely through personal ones. They are responsible for maintaining the day-to-day operations of the sector which they belong so the cogs of the operation stay well-oiled. Managers are generally more concerned with the quarterly bottom line, and will often base decisions on these calculations. Good managers are often considered “good soldiers” in that they rarely question the decisions of the higher echelons of the family, company, or nation and only serve to enforce the execution of its policies. Qualities of a Leader In contrast, a leader focuses on interpersonal relationships with other important contacts in other industries, as well as promoting promising individuals within the same to foster innovation. A leader bases his or her decisions on reports from department heads to assess the entire company’s situation, and future strategies. A true leader will also be willing to ignore the company’s quarterly bottom line for several quarters – much to the chagrin of shareholders – and make investments for a long-range growth perspective. A leader is considered a “fearless innovator” in that he or she challenges the status quo and is unafraid to take high risks in search of high rewards, for customers, employees, shareholders alike and the general masses. Comparison between Managers and Leaders

It is said that a manager asks “how” and “when”, whereas a leader asks “what” and why”. In many professions, managers and leaders assume the same role. However, if a leader of a ministry or business simply manages its field – rather than challenge its true potential – then it will likely fall behind its industry peers. Likewise, if managers overstep their bounds and attempt to revolt against the company, then they may soon find themselves out of the job. In some cases, where micromanagement is essential to maximize efficiency, nurture skills and keep employees organized, strong managers are an absolute necessity to prevent high turnover rates and the “brain drain” of a skilled workforce and impact on the populace. A good leader will also stay in the front line of battle, and be familiar with every aspect of the company, leading through inspiration rather than coercing through hierarchical control. A perfect manager who attains the status of a true leader will be able to lead people effectively and draw on the correct strengths and knowledge of every key individual in the company. Many managers will struggle for their entire careers and never attain this, but a skilled few will evolve into true leaders. What we have in both public and private sectors in Nigeria today are managers, who are only but there as figure heads while the leader who determines what be and be not are in the closet. The true ones who has served and possessed the wit of a true leader to serve and impact proactively on our nation are deprived of the position and the fear-dogs would not allow for justice to reign in the name of euphoric state of last-minutes grab and go. Leaders are what this nation is urgently crying for, not for present state of the nation but for the posterity, let’s give room for change, let’s implement the change now as good people, great nation. God bless Mr. President, God bless the Federal Executive Counsel Board, God bless the Citizens of Nigeria, and God bless Nigeria.