Comments on: The Productivity Riddle

By: John W. McKenna

John W. McKenna — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:08:10 +0000

Here’s my problem with the management vs leadership argument. The argument is based on the assumption that it is possible to separate the two camps, i.e. Managers do things right while Leaders do the right thing. This may be convenient in the theory-driven world of academia, but it does not reflect the real world.

The whole argument reminds me of the quip, “What’s the difference between theory and reality? In theory, there is no difference.” In my experience, our apparent inability to understand the difference between theory and reality is the primary driver leading us down the wrong path toward disastrous outcomes.

When you make your living on the execution side of the equation, you are constantly reminded that success or failure, whatever the endeavor, is not based on theory. Rather, it is a function of reality.

Take care…

John

By: Harry Steiger

Harry Steiger — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 13:02:47 +0000

The riddle

By: laurence haughton

laurence haughton — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 20:18:47 +0000

Great background info David. I saw a couple of words that got my radar beeping: “greatest cost reduction” and “improve the efficiency.” This is code for one of the fundamental mental errors in leadership. As Drucker explained it the real difference is made by improving “effectiveness not efficiency.” Doing the right job right not just doing the job right.
Cost reduction is a cookie cutter process, reduce 15% across the board rather than eliminate waste and use the savings to fund more results.

By: david foster

david foster — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 17:49:02 +0000

I haven't read this piece yet, but was very unimpressed by an earlier Hubbard article--my comments here; http://photoncourier.blogspot.com/2006_07_01_photoncourier_archive.html#115302440769488379