Canadian Management Centre You don't have to choose between the two. Every leader in business is required to manage employees, whether they are the CEO or the floor manager. Every manager in a team or department is required to manage people. Leading and managing, no matter your position as a supervisor or senior executive in a department, are important functions. Leadership and managerial skills are essential for success. Leaders and managers often don't understand the differences. Management is often described as a science, while leadership can be considered an art. An objective is defined broadly as any system, process, or series of steps that lead to achieving it. This definition applies equally to the job duties of a manager. Art is defined as using skill, knowledge and imagination to make something new. This understanding is a reflection of the leadership role, particularly a visionary leader. Leaders often depend on a system or method--yes science--to realize their goals. Managers often use creative imagination, a hallmark of art, to motivate employees, increase performance and achieve results.