This isn't a high-flying example of leadership or management. It's just a simple thought that illustrates, for me at least, my concept of the difference.

When I lived in Boise the biggest feature in my back yard was a 20' X 40' in-ground cement pool. I was new to the pool ownership game and spent many joyous hours learning what it took to maintain something in the neighborhood of 20,000 gallons of water in a state that would be appealing for my kids and their friends. This pool became an important part of our social experience.

Every Saturday morning my calendar was filled with hours of pool cleaning fun. Saturday was my day to do the really meaningful cleaning. If this was done correctly then the pool was pleasant and enjoyable for the rest of the week. Family life was bliss. I was a hero.

Until I decided to engage the children in the Saturday cleaning ritual. I wasn't popular on those weekend mornings. One of the worst chores was scrubbing the tile along the walls near the water line. That could be pretty difficult. The most effective way to perform this task was to get in the pool with scrubbing tools and scrub. No secret and no easy, fulfilling time. Just hard work.

How would a manager approach this problem? What approach would a leader take?

I picture what would happen when putting myself in the manager mode and dealing with the kids.

Saturday morning dawns. Manager Jim awakens the slumbering cherubs with a shrill whistle call. Assignments are made and timeframes set. Children disperse to the pool. Work is engaged. Children report back when finished. Inspections follow. And the results........... are not favorable. Scum clings to the walls of the pool.

Manager is not pleased. Children are irritable. New goals are set. Timeframes established. Manager returns to kitchen table to study newspaper and await the return of the children and (hopefully) a final report and inspection.

Reset: Saturday Morning Leader

Okay, still awakens the slumbering cherubs to a chorus of grumbles. Provides a quick bite to eat. Assembles the tribe at the side of the pool. Leader Jim is attired in swimming togs. Job responsibilities are divided among the group. Leader Jim is told by Boy Bob that he doesn't know how to get the scum off the side of the pool. Leader Jim jumps in, takes another scrubbing implement and together the job proceeds. Boy Bob and Leader Jim work together and learn how best to clean the pool. It's different. The leader is part of the experience.

I may be right. Or not. But this is the image I carry with me when I think about what it means to be a leader and what it means to be a manager.......
9:43:49 PM    comment []