Unlike management, which doesn’t really spread from person to person, leadership is contagious. If one person is an effective and energetic leader, those around them are likely to pick up some of the traits too.
Management authority has to be arranged and people have to be appointed to roles.
Whereas…
Leadership authority can be developed independently of management structure and rub off from one individual to another, to be drawn on as and when circumstances require.
A good idea then to cultivate leadership skills in an organisation—they spread.
(Thanks to Geoff Crowley, Managing Director of Highland Colour Coaters, who prompted this piece.)