Is it feasible to be a team leader and behave like a manager

A simple but perhaps confusing answer is that you should be capable of being both a leader and a manager, it all depends on circumstances.

Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between being a a leader and a manager. A manager is responsible for the application of procedures and ensuring compliance, whereas a leader will create the vision, share the objectives, motivate and empower the team to progress with minimal intervention.

The manager is focussed on today, achieving the immediate target using rigorous measurement to track progress. The leader will take the long view, enabling the team to find its own route to achieving objectives.
In summary, either having the motivational skills, trust and confidence essential to be a leader or being the overseeing, judgemental manager.

However, there will exist circumstances in any organisation where it is essential to flip from being a leader to being a manager. The skill is to understand when and having the expertise to properly apply the appropriate style.

Some questions you should ask yourself
- Does your business use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)?
- Are they about numerical targets or personal development?
- How do you recognise success and react to failure (be honest!)?
- How often do you have a dialogue, formal or informal, with your team members?
- Have you shared the long term objectives of the business with them?
- Do you seek opinion and does your team have the confidence to contradict you?
- Have you ever openly admitted to being incorrect or making a bad decision?
- Is your team motivated and willing to act on its own initiative or does it have to seek permission?
- How well do you delegate responsibility (and this does not mean abdicate!)?
- Is it correct to delegate responsibility without authority?

Am I a Manager or a Leader?