Direction versus directive. Which is a leader's ultimate goal?

Question

When you try to achieve something which requires the support of others, do you focus more upon harnessing the capacity of others, or the system and environment by which they must participate in so as to get the task completed?

Answer 1

It is simply a matter of the task involved and the capabilities of the members of your team.

If the task requires no creativity or free thouught then it is directive.

If the task is to create a new product then you take advantage of the strengths and weaknesses of the team.

I have also found that reports do a MUCH better job if they feel some level of control.

If you have an engineer, finance person and a production manager on the team they are just NOT going to respond well to directive.

Good Luck,
Jacques

Answer 2

Without a strong system in place, even highly talented and motivated people will make stupid mistakes and cost the team time. Set up a system in which even a buffoon might have some degree of success, then weed out the buffoons and focus on getting, and keeping, the team motivated to achieve. If you try to build a good team before you build a good system, you're still taking a risk where none need be taken. Once the system is in place, the manager should only need to verify, motivate and answer questions or fill gaps when people are out.