However, there are two paths a person with position of authority can take: One may lead, or one may manage. Now the secret is to know the difference. That is 0ptimizR's role this week, to teach the difference.
The simple answer: Managing has the connotation of keeping things running smoothly without much change, while leading has the connotation of moving forward.
The not so simple answer: When we think of a manager, we tend to think of paperwork, reprimands, and general chores that a certain business goes through. He is the one who makes sure all of the workers are safe, and have fair moral. He ensures the quality and quantity of his product or service. While these things are necessary, he has no stock in moving the organization forward to the next level.
Then we think of the leader. He focuses much of his energy on moving to the next level. He thinks to himself "What can we do to advance this organization?" and "What needs to be done to fulfill a greater desire?". He cares about his subordinates, not because they are a liability, but because he sees their value in progressing the organization. He has no stock in reprimanding minor offences or filling out paperwork.
While in most situations, there is quite a bit of overlap in the two descriptions, a leader and a manager have different and seemingly opposing end goals. And for a person with position to be an 0ptimizR, he needs to know which on his position calls for.
Nice way to finish up the blogation. I like how your blog doesn't just focus on optimization ideas like lifehacker in the form of changing habits or adding gizmos. Something that can make anyone more effective is to know who they are and not feel bad about it. Optimization goes beyond what you do or have; it stems from a perspective of how to make things work better that is based on a foundation of self acceptance.
ReplyDelete