Introduction

Leadership has traditionally been viewed as an individual attribute that goes beyond management. All managers are expected to be leaders, but not all leaders have ability in the management functions.

However, leaders may appear without formal appointment. These leaders become influential either because they have specific skills or resources that meet the needs of others or because the formally-appointed manager lacks leadership skills and the informal leader steps in to fill the vacuum.

Provided the informal leader is supporting the goals of the organization, this can be a useful support to the manager.

Keep in mind:

• Your authority as manager comes from above, from the people who supervise you (your immediate manager/board members).
• Your position as a leader comes from the people you supervise (your sub-ordinates/team).
• Management is about doing something/your actions.
• Leadership is about being someone/your character.