Project manager vs. project leader: What’s the difference? Have you ever heard of these characters and assumed they were the same person? Although these positions are sometimes thought to be interchangeable and can be filled by the same person, they are distinct and each has a critical function to play within a project. To enable better project management and development, it is critical to separate one from the other and grasp their distinct qualities.
Consider the following five distinctions between project managers and project leaders:
1. Project leaders are generalists, whereas project managers are specialists
The project manager is in charge of organizing and coordinating the team, as well as avoiding any hazards and bottlenecks. As a result, they must be more analytical and thorough in their work. Project managers, on the other hand, are concerned with the larger picture. Their goal is to instill a feeling of purpose and motivation in team members, as well as to impact their performance to achieve success.
2. Project managers resolve issues, whereas project leaders plan things
Those in charge of a project are strategists. They contribute to the development of long-term plans and ideas by encouraging those participating in the project to achieve their objectives. Project managers have a plan in place for what they must accomplish. They are bound by the timeline and, as a result, must deal with any unanticipated issues that may develop during the process.
3. Project managers are more concerned with the task at hand, whereas project leaders are more concerned with the people
Like project managers, project leaders seek to meet deadlines, but they also want to improve team performance and define team goals. In this way, they cultivate an environment that brings forth the best in their workers.
4. Project managers direct and project leaders motivate their teams
Project leaders are more compassionate and personable, and they want to connect with the project team on a human level. They want to influence them, therefore they make sure that everyone in the team matches their own goals and ambitions with the teams and the projects. Project managers guide team members and assign them various duties based on the challenges and requirements that may occur throughout a project. Furthermore, because they are in charge of the project’s schedule, they have the right to require that their teams accomplish their tasks in a timely and acceptable manner.
5. Project managers like to keep things as they are, whereas project leaders are willing to take chances
The goal of project managers is to maintain the status quo and guarantee that everything happens as planned. They are in charge of a project’s timeline, budget, and quality, as well as directing team members through their jobs to keep those resources in mind. As a result, they are experts, and their focus is on technical and logistical concerns.
Project managers, on the other hand, are continuously planning and creating objectives. They are constantly looking for new ways to accomplish things, encouraging their people, and promoting innovation and continuous progress. Their goal is to encourage change to improve efficiency.
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