We couldn’t leave Dr. Grint without asking him what the difference is between a leader and a manager, could we? As you heard, he thinks too much has been made of that question and that distinguishing between leaders and managers can actually be damaging to an organization. He is clear that leaders must manage and managers must lead.

Topic for Discussion: Why does Dr. Grint warn us to stop making the distinction between leaders and managers?

Answer: The distinction isn’t real. Within an organization that effectively operates as a team, each individual assumes, at different times, the role of leader and the role of manager. We certainly saw that at Record Technology, Black Diamond and Joseph’s Lite Cookies today. Small businesses that focus on the customer will put their own people in different roles at different times based on what ultimately serves the customer best. As an additional benefit, this is invigorating to the employee. No one is pigeon holed, no one is subservient. The organization is fluid and the focus is common, the customer.

You think about it: Do you manage better than you lead? Do you lead better than you manage? Which area should you personally improve in? Can each person in your organization improve in leadership? In management? What steps can you take to foster everyone's advancement?