October 06, 2010

Are You Ahead Or Behind?


"Efficiency tends to deal with things, effectiveness with people.  We manage things, we lead people."
Source Unknown


This quote is saved by the use of the word "tends" because what is and is not efficient and effective varies by situation.  But the overall thought is valid.

If you are in charge, are you leading or herding?  

In the former you have followers, the latter it's you who follows.

3 comments :

  1. Another way to look at it.

    Sometimes you lead from behind.

    You lead by following.

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  2. You're right Kurt, there needs to be a distinction drawn regarding what a manager is doing from behind.

    The good ones do as you suggest, inspire great action from those ahead. The "herding" I referred to is simply ordering action, which, to me, is not leading.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Glad you enjoy them Nisha, join in the discussion.

    Your thoughts and observations will be valuable to others. No one person has answer but we all have a part of it.

    ReplyDelete