To identify what leaders do, Kouzes and Posner asked people to describe their personal best leadership experiences. Their research revealed five leadership practices common to successful leaders. They challenge the process. They want to build a better mouse trap. This is one of the things that separate them from managers.
Managers manage a process.
The most dynamic organizations have leaders who inspire a shared vision. William H. Danforth, the founder of the Ralston Purina Company, started the company by selling horse and mule feed along the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Louis. He did not want to sell feed to farmers but wanted to help farmers feed a hungry world. He outlined his philosophy in a book entitled, I Dare You . Danforth constantly reinforced his vision and philosophy with employees through a number of mediums.