Definition of Position Terms

I need to define a few terms that we will address over and over throughout the entirety of this publication. Some are obvious and one would usually think there would be no need for defining them; but we all come from different industries, backgrounds and levels of understanding. The best way to get a level understanding so we stay on the same sheet of music is for us all to have the same definition of these terms.

Manager

One who is responsible for directing and controlling the work and staff of a department, entity, section, etc; actively controls the resources and expenditures; and has authority and accountability over the planning, organization, directing of activities, development of personnel, mission establishment, objective determination, and analysis of performance data.

Supervisor

One who functions as the controller and guide for the work activities of a group of people; responsible for mission accomplishment and the gathering of performance data. Primarily found on the front line of the organization.

Leader

Someone who takes you in a new or desired direction largely through vision and motivation

Hierarchy of Organizational Positions

President

Vice President

Director

Manager *

Supervisor

Team Leader

* sometimes referred to as Superintendent in certain industries, often residing above Manager

Some notes on management and leadership:

The defined difference between managers and leaders can be simply stated as: Managers have subordinates and Leaders have followers.

Peter Drucker, who many consider to be the father of “modern management’ defined a manager’s job as: “is to direct the resources and the efforts of the business toward opportunities for economically significant results.”

Casey Stengel, long time manager of the “New York Yankees” and the “New York Mets” on the secret of managing once said: "The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided."

Dee Hock, founder and CEO Emeritus of Visa, discussing leadership once said: "Control is not leadership; management is not leadership; leadership is leadership. If you seek to lead, invest at least 50% of your time in leading yourself—your own purpose, ethics, principles, motivation, conduct. Invest at least 20% leading those with authority over you and 15% leading your peers."