Warren Bennis identified three basic ingredients of leadership:
a guiding vision;
passion;
integrity.
He also developed a useful comparison of the differences between management and leadership (see Managers and leaders A manager ) which unpacks some of the different qualities of a visionary leader.
Managers and leaders A manager
A leader
Administers
Innovates
Is a copy
Is an original
Maintains
Develops
Focuses on systems and structure
Focuses on people
Relies on control
Inspires trust
Has a short-range view
Has a long-range perspective
Asks how and when
Asks why
Has his eye on the bottom line
Has his eye on the horizon
Imitates
Originates
Accepts the status quo
Challenges the status quo
Classic good soldier
His own person
Does things right
Does the right thing
This comparison exercise separates management from leadership in a very clear way. This is useful for those wishing to take on more of a leadership role, although it is sometimes interpreted as slightly downplaying the important role of a good manager in organizational life. Most managers have to do both roles.