The Two Hats Every Leader Must Wear

Peter Drucker, one of the greatest voices in leadership, once said:

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”

All leaders wear two hats.

The first is leading—taking your team toward a better future. That’s doing the right things.

The second is managing—making sure those right things are done right.

You can’t live in only one world.

If all you do is hold people accountable and correct their work, you’ll crush their spirit. They also need a vision of the future they’re helping to create.

If all you do is cast a vision, your team will be left frustrated. Without clear steps, tools, and direction, the vision will never be realized.

Steve Jobs did both. He cast a vision for the future of phones and computers—and then held the team accountable for every detail: design, function, pricing, and more.

How did Apple succeed?
Through the relentless pursuit of a dream that was anchored in due dates, projects, meetings, conversations, and candid feedback.

Apple both led and managed the process.

Each of us naturally gravitates toward vision or accountability. The balance will never be perfect. But be self-aware:

• Show your team the future.
• Coach them to get there.

Make sure they’re doing the right things.
Inspect that those things are being done right.

Intersecting life, luxury, and leadership,
Chris Adams

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