Lead Manage

I read this article about leaders and managers with interest having not had either for most of my career. As far as I am concerned, both are mythical creatures that some claim to have seen but I for one, am still waiting. The author argues that effective managers must blend both leadership and management skills, rather than specialize in one or the other. Suzy Welch introduces the term "lanager" to describe someone who balances visionary leadership (setting direction and inspiring people) with hands-on management (executing plans and handling details).

Welch warns that focusing exclusively on either vision or execution leads to dysfunction: visionary-only leaders risk inaction, while hands-on-only managers lack direction. The ideal is a manager who can move fluidly between big-picture thinking and practical execution, leaving a clear, intentional mark on their team and organization. Welch emphasizes the importance of conviction, decisiveness, and the ability to adapt to what the team needs in the moment.

In large or complex organizations, separating leadership (vision-setting) from management (execution) can be beneficial. Research shows that firms forced to split or combine these roles often perform best when the structure matches their specific needs, there is no universal solution. Specialization allows individuals to focus on what they do best, whether it’s strategic direction or operational efficiency. I will say that I have know many who are able to manage teams and projects effectively but folks in people management roles who get their only as career advancement tool (which is just about every manager I've ever had, barring rare exceptions) they seriously underwhelm.

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