However, effective people management requires an abundance of leadership skill on the manager's part. To do so would serve no valid purpose except to fan the flames of the leadership versus management fire. Rather it seems more productive to focus on areas of agreement with Benton and Lester. Both authors call for a greater emphasis on leadership development. Whether we in the Air Force can accomplish our mission depends on effective management of all our resources.
People are the key resource, and to manage people effectively requires effective leadership.
Benton says we need leaders. Lester says we can teach people to be leaders. But, if we want to do the best we can, we should train managers, and include in that training the leadership skills needed to manage in today's Air Force. The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.