Are you a LEADER or are you a MANAGER?  A manager is a role within an organization.  Over the years I have seen managers who were experts at making sure the body of work was completed as needed, but in no way were they leaders.  I have also seen countless examples of individual contributors who were gifted leaders and achieved their goals through influence and engagement rather than authority.  It comes down to a simple definition: As a leader, you lead people.  As a manager, you manage tasks.  Those with the ability to do both will rise to the top.