Yes, a manager is in my opinion also a leader. When representing the management team of any organization you are looked upon by the employees as a leader. You should always carry yourself as such. You have the ability to cast a positive or negative shadow to the employees. As a manager you are also measured by the leadership shadow you cast. A great manager also has specific characteristics that are in alignment with a leader.
There is definitely a difference, but there are times when both styles are needed.
Managers can controll processes, solve problems and complete tasks, but a leader can articulate the vision, involve others in decision making, support employees and recognize them. The combination of leading and managing is what brings sucess to the company. You need to be both.
Lots of dialogue recently regarding the topic of leader vs. manager. A quip I heard long ago: managers do things right, leaders do the right things. Often the roles of leader/manager are interchangable from situation to situation, but the differences that separate are crystal clear. Managers think about today, leaders think about tomorrow.
Essentially both depending on what trait is needed at the time a manager definitely has to call upon leadership skills in their daily interactions on all levels.
I actually hate the work manger. Leader is more important to me. A true leader is a mentor to all of his staff.
