I learned the difference between a leader and a manager. Leaders set a direction, while managers plan and budget to produce results that support the vision.

In my opinion, leaders are visionary, they inspire and motivate others. The managers have subordinates

There are a lot of myths about being a good manager. The qualities of a good manager, for example: good people skills, the ability to persuade and influence.

I don't see where one side shines brighter than the other, so I think I am both leader and manager depending on what need is there in the moment.  I see the importance of a manager but also the significance of a leader. Clearly both are needed and I want to have strong characteristics of each. I want to work more on originating that imitating and challenging the status quo. 

Leaders are the visionaries, the ones motivating the team and keeping their team committed. The leaders help the team feel recognized and appreciated and motivated.  Managers implement the vision, determine the steps to reach the goals, organize and keep a team focused, and then assess growth and opportunities. 

Being a good manager requires a goal oriented mindset, good people skills, the ability to persuade and influence, the knowledge of how to collaborate with others and to encourage collaboration with others, and the ability to set appropriate business goals. I plan to keep these qualities in mind and to grow these traits when given the opportunity. 

I learned that leadership takes experience and schooling to have a balance. Just because you have a degree doesn't mean your a leader, gaining experience through practice will develop needed lessons for leadership. 

In regards to promotion into management, it takes more skills than just doing a great job to be considered for management. Mangers must be able to engage with all personalities and be able to get people on board and motivate.  

Comment on Lakiya Jones's post: Hello LaKaiya, communication is the most important aspect of management I have determined. Good communication goes a long way with employees you are managing.

Leadership and management are intertwined in the mind of companies as well as employees looking to move up to management within their company. The concept of management is important to realize it is more task oriented and team driven to getting tasks completed. Management is about moving a department forward in their tasks, leadership is about vision and development of concepts, processes and functions that can move an organization forward.