“Leadership is the art of accomplishing more than what the science of management says is possible.”
– General Colin Powell, Chairman (Retired), Joint Chiefs of Staff
“The difference between…” Often, it’s measured in distance or time, and the difference can seem broad, but is usually very narrow.
“The difference between a gold and silver medal was less than .001 seconds.”
“The candidates were separated by fewer than 1% of all the votes cast.”
“Only one point separated the A’s from the B’s on the exam.”
“The difference between the first and second place golfer was less than 1/2 stroke per round.”
The difference between leadership and management is (to use a technical term) much more bigger. It’s not like the difference between night and day, because technically, that’s about one second. It’s not like the difference between alive and dead, because technically, that’s one heartbeat.
We may be able to manage things, but we had dang sure better lead people.
And, with all credit to General Powell, he stops short, because the difference between leadership and management is even greater than the difference between art and science. The difference between leadership and management is a decision.
Leaders lead.
If we’re not sure where we stand, a quick look behind us to see if anyone is following should set aside any doubt.
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