According to the PMBOK® Guide (specifically the section on Project Manager Competencies and the comparison between Leadership vs. Management), PMI distinguishes between the traits of a leader and the traits of a manager.
Management is primarily concerned with stability, efficiency, and predictability within an organization or project. The key differences highlighted in the PMI standards are:
Relying on Control (Management): Managers ensure that work is performed according to the plan. They use systems, processes, and " control " mechanisms (like status reports, quality checks, and budget tracking) to minimize risk and maintain order.
Innovating and Challenging the Status Quo (Leadership): These are leadership traits. Leaders look toward the future, seeking to improve and change existing paradigms rather than just maintaining them.
Asking What and Why (Leadership): Leaders focus on the purpose and the bigger picture ( " What are we doing and why? " ). Conversely, managers typically focus on " How and When " to ensure the execution is timely and correct.
The following table summarizes the distinction according to PMI ' s Project Manager Competency Development Framework:
Therefore, Relying on control is the definitive management trait among the provided options.
