Building Better Managers report: interview with analyst, Dr Anna Barnett

What makes a good manager and how do they differ from leaders? 

For as long as we've had managers and leaders, the distinction has been clear: Managers are concerned with efficiency, leaders are concerned with vision. Managers care about processes, leaders care about people. Managers control, leaders influence. 

But the world’s moved on. Today’s workforces are more dispersed and more diverse and care more for nurturing culture than always being in control. And it’s never made much sense that managers, who work closer with people, should be expected to prioritise them less than leaders do. 

So, what makes a good manager in 2024? A new report from Mind Tools is out that identifies the essential capabilities needed in modern managers. Senior Insight Analyst, Dr Anna Barnett, joins Learning News with the report's findings.

Programme notes

Download the report: Building Better Managers