If you’re the “complete the right task”-type of leader, you better be real smart. You’ll need to know how to do everything. Then you’ll have to make sure your subordinates know how to do it too. You’ll be the one that has to come up with all the ideas. You’ll be the person that is responsible for policing the troops to make sure they’re staying in line. Ironically, if something goes wrong, you’ll probably blame it on people.
If you’re the “find the right people”-type, you are constantly trying to build the right team and then get out of the way. When you have talented people around you, you don’t need to know all the answers. The team generates the ideas, so it’s not all on your shoulders. The right people are as concerned about the mission as you are, so you don’t have to spend time keeping them in line. If something goes wrong and you have a great team, you see it as a systems or communications problem rather than a people problem.
Not getting the results you desire? Maybe it’s time for a little self-assessment. What path are you on? You may want to change your leadership focus.
