As we near the end of this course and I reflect on the plethora of knowledge I have gained over the past eight weeks, a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson comes to mind. He once said “do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”. I feel like this quote exemplifies what it means to be a strong manager and leader in today's world. We live in a time of rapid change and uncertainty. It is the job of managers and leaders to keep up with this change and create new paths to lead their organizations to success. However, without the right set of tools, even the most determined individual will likely find themselves lost along the way. The purpose of this essay is to summarize the information collected during my studies in order to analyze the characteristics and skills that a manager should possess. The first topic of discussion is the difference between management and leadership. These interconnected positions encompass different roles and skills. After outlining the functions of a manager and clearly defining leadership, we will delve into the topics of personality and motivation. This section will cover the character traits that strong leaders possess and how they motivate their subordinates. Next, we discuss the important decision-making and communication processes in relation to leading an organization, including possible obstacles. Finally, before we summarize and conclude this essay, we will take a look at how education and personal development impact a person's ability to lead and manage an organization. To help demonstrate the points made in this essay I will use various literary references and detail accounts of an interview conducted with some... middle of paper... Journal, 52(3),581 -598. doi:10.5465/AMJ.2009.41331431Maccoby, M. (2010). Learn change leadership from two great teachers. Research Technology Management, 53(2), 68-69. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.csuglobal.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=49258598&site=ehost-liveRobbins, S.P., DeCenzo, D.A., & Coulter, M. (2013) . Fundamentals of Management (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Weathersby, G. B. (1999). Leadership versus management. Management Review, 88(3), 5. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.csuglobal.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=1635947&site=ehost-liveWei, R., & Yes, J. (2008). In focus/wisdom on leadership: some wise advice for leaders. Leadership in Action, 28(4), 18-22. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.csuglobal.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=34870368&site=ehost-live