The Critical Difference Between a Leader and a People Manager

I was half-watching Paw Patrol with my daughters the other morning (as one does), when something Chase said caught my attention: "No job is too big, no pup is too small."

It got me thinking.

In leadership, we often treat the roles of leader and people manager as interchangeable. But they’re not the same.

A leader inspires vision—rallies people around a purpose. A people manager helps individuals thrive in their roles—through support, structure, and development.

You can be both. But you don’t have to be.

Some of the most powerful leaders manage no one. They rally people around an idea. They shift thinking. They drive change from wherever they stand—yes, even from the junior ranks.

Leadership isn’t about hierarchy. It’s about direction, courage, and clarity. And just maybe, those Paw Patrol episodes are sinking in—helping my girls discover what it means to take the lead, no matter their size.

#Leadership #Mining #Construction #Manufacturing #HR