Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines a manager as someone who is in charge of a business, department, etc.

A manager, the dictionary says,  directs the day-to-day operations of an organization, and is an essential cog in the wheel. Managers should not be confused with leaders.

A leader commands authority and influence. A manager does not require leadership abilities, but it’s best for an organization if they do.

The Harvard Business Review lists three top differences between managers and leaders. In knowing the differences, perhaps you can make the move from simply managing your team to leading them.

First, a manager counts value instead of creating value. Leaders know how to delegate responsibility and are as much a value-creator as his or her followers. Lead by example and enable people to take action.

Secondly, count the number of people outside your reporting hierarchy who come to you for advice. The more that do, the more you are a leader. Managers create circles of power. Leaders create circles of influence.

Lastly, leaders drive, motivate and enable others to contribute. Managers simply control the group to accomplish goals. HBR states that “influence and inspiration separate leaders from managers, not power and control.”

When did you know that you became a leader?