November 13, 2008

Inspirational Management: True Leadership


"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."

William Arthur Ward
Author


Based on the reaction to previous quotes it appears we have consensus about the importance of team building and the closely related need for managers to help others succeed.

In other words managers are teachers. If so shouldn't the companies they work for look for many of the same qualities in their managers that educational institutions attempt to find in the teacher they hire?

As a minimum teachers must teach, managers manage but if they are to also inspire, how do we find those who stand above the rest?

2 comments :

  1. The best managers don't appear to be working hard at managing.

    Their direct reports are more likely to be promoted than others.

    Those who work for and with them are more often happy in what they do.

    What they manage is important to the success of the company with measurable goals and clearly measured results.

    They get important things done, on time, on or under budget with little or no drama.

    How they do it is another story.

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  2. I think many in business have long looked down on teachers ("Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.")

    The same is true about the image of consultants as though a manager is somehow lacking if they use one.

    What arrogant stupidity.

    If you believe this you had better be good because if you're not what's your excuse??

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