TIP OF THE WEEK - Good Management Is the Most Important Success Factor Good management motivates people to do their best and can produce great results even when a project or a company struggles under conditions that are less than ideal. All the great technology and process definition in the world will not compensate for poor management, which can drive a project or a company into the ground. Continually train and mentor every manager - although natural talent is an important component for good managers, there is always more to learn and having a support system is vital. As Nic Tsangarakis points out in his article below, leadership is as vital as organization in making sure projects succeed.
People know the theory.
When asked to differentiate between leadership and management, they normally get it right. People don't seem to get as excited or enthused about shorter-term issues like formulating a budget, maintaining the status quo, or developing a new company policy on sick leave. They want to know where the organization is going and how they will play a role in moving the organization into its envisioned future. A balance is needed if you are to be successful. I recently worked with a high-tech company in Vancouver to develop a leadership competency model closely aligned with their business plan.