What critical leadership skill separates true leaders from managers regarding task control, according to the discussion on essential attributes?

Delegation, defined as the ability to trust others with responsibility while maintaining accountability for the outcome.

The passage explicitly states that delegation is the skill that differentiates true leaders from mere managers. A manager who insists on controlling every single detail is described as stifling growth within their subordinates and the organization. A seasoned leader, however, demonstrates the hallmark ability to delegate—meaning they trust subordinates to handle responsibility—while still holding ultimate accountability for the final results achieved by those subordinates. This trust and structured accountability is what moves an individual beyond basic management duties.