Russian Verbs with the Meaning “Manage” and “Lead”

Did you know that the majority of Russian verbs that mean “manage” or “lead” are used with the Instrumental case? The verbs руководить (lead), заведовать (supervise), править (govern), управлять (lead, govern), командовать (command) and распоряжаться (dispose of) are always used withe the Instrumental case.

For example,

1. Сергей руководит фирмой. Sergey leads a firm.
2. Президент управляет страной. President governs a country.