The Leader vs. The Manager

The assumption is often made that those in management positions are (automatically) leaders.  There is a world of difference between being a manager and being a leader.  Many managers are not good leaders.  Many of the most effective leaders in an organization are not managers; they are not even in positions of formal authority.

Managers are "created" from above.  A manager is a manager by virtue of the authority vested in the manager's position from above.  The manager's authority is extrinsic to the manager.  The manager's power comes from outside the person.

Leaders are "created" from within and below.  A leader is a leader by virtue of the authority vested in that person by those who choose to follow.  The leader's authority is intrinsic to the leader; the leader's authority has more to do with "Being" than "Doing".  The leader's power comes from inside the person.  (Authority is external, Power is internal).