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The words manager and leader are often used interchangeably, but have very different meanings. Webster’s dictionary describes a manager as a person controlling the movement or behavior of others, or one who has charge of others, and directs their affairs. In contrast, Webster’s definition of a leader is a person that directs through influence by going along with or before, others that would follow (Guralnik, 1984). In fact, the wording in the assignment of this paper has connotations towards the differences between a manager and a leader. The assignment asks us to address the “role of a manager”, as opposed to the “characteristics of a leader.” The phrase “role of a manager” connotes a task-oriented, strictly defined, robotic functioning by a mindless drone that plays his part as outlined in a script. Whereas the phrase “characteristics of a leader”, evokes thoughts of abstract personal qualities to be employed by an empowered individual towards a common goal. This paper will compare and contrast the distinct differences between managing and leading. Additionally, it will focus on the concept of emotionally intelligent leadership. Finally, it will address the question of whether a manager must always be a leade