the blog

Leaders and Managers (we need both). Here are the characteristics of “Managers”.

• Conceptualize plans by working from the past to the present
• Embrace a micro perspective, a snapshot
• Favor routine thinking
• Protector of the status quo
• Emphasis on how and when
• Controlling and directing
• Threatened by change
• Move slowly
• Avoid risks
• Actions limited by available resources
• System Centered
• Plan Centered
• People’s approval is a need

I figure I am about 60% Leader and 40% Manager. I think like a leader, but plan like a manager.

Here are some additional quotes from this section of teaching:

Managers need approval – why not give it to them? Notes of praise, spending time, public approval.

Managers tend to ask “Why?”. This is not neccessarily a question of authority, managers just like to know the why – so tell them in a simple way.

Managers need to “Buy in” first (the “what” and “why”), then they can figure out the “how” and “when”

(continue to Part 4)