2. Developing a Network for Achieving the Agenda
Leaders create teams that share the vision, makes sure people understand the goal, and communicate with those needed to fulfill the vision.
Managers staff and organize, creating a structure for achieving the goals. They delegate responsibilities, create systems for execution and monitoring activity.
Jack Welch, while at GE, often said that his biggest accomplishment was finding great people.
Welch also said: “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
3. Execution
Leaders motivate, inspire, and get people excited about the project. They help push people past obstacles and paint the picture of what can be accomplished.
Managers solve problems, monitor the results, and control the process.
“You manage things; you lead people,” said Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper.
I was in a meeting recently where we were trying to get several companies to help fund a project that would ultimately give a refurbished car to a needy family. Things weren’t going well until the owner of one of the businesses told his personal story about escaping a gang life, getting some help along the way, and building his own auto repair business. Nearly in tears, he told the group how he got a second chance in life and he wanted to give others the same opportunity he had. His quiet talk inspired others in the room to commit to the project.