Why having a vision isn’t enough to be an effective leader | Suzy Welch for Big Think+

Key Concepts

• Lanager: A blend of "leader" and "manager," representing the integrated role of someone who both sets vision and executes tasks.
• Why vs. How: The constant interplay between explaining the purpose (why) and the execution (how) of tasks.
• Simultaneous Translator: The role of a lanager in interpreting and explaining different perspectives between teams and upper management.
• Fingerprintless Lanager: A lanager who avoids taking a stand or expressing their own beliefs, leading to resentment.
• Decision-Making: The critical importance of making decisions, even difficult ones, to move an organization forward.
• Owning Mistakes: The value of acknowledging and learning from mistakes to build trust and respect.

The Lanager Role: Blending Leadership and Management

The core argument is that effective individuals in leadership positions must embody both leadership and management qualities, a concept Welch terms "Lanager." This role is not about choosing one over the other but integrating both.

• The Problem with Extremes: Focusing solely on visionary thinking without execution leads to resentment, as does focusing solely on tactical execution without a broader vision.
• Real-World Application: The "Lanager" concept applies regardless of team size, from managing three people to three hundred thousand.
• NYU Stern School of Business: Suzy Welch teaches this concept as a professor of management practice.

Communicating the "Why" and the "How"

A crucial aspect of the lanager role is effectively communicating both the purpose ("why") and the execution ("how") of tasks.

• The Drummer Analogy: "You have to tell the drummer what the words of the song are about." This illustrates the need to explain the context and purpose to team members so they can fully engage in their work.
• Iterative Process: The lanager must continuously go back and forth between explaining the "why" and guiding the "how," often within the same conversation or day.

The Lanager as a Simultaneous Translator

The lanager acts as a bridge between different levels of an organization, interpreting and explaining perspectives.

• Diplomacy and Courage: This role requires diplomacy to navigate different viewpoints and courage to take a stand.
• Beyond a Messenger: A lanager doesn't just relay information neutrally but actively explains and advocates for different perspectives.
• Taking a Stand: Avoiding expressing personal beliefs ("fingerprintless lanager") leads to resentment. Lanagers must have conviction, even if it means facing career risks.

The Importance of Decision-Making

Making decisions, even difficult ones, is essential for organizational progress.

• Overcoming Fear of Failure: People often avoid making hard calls due to fear of being associated with failure.
• Essential for Progress: Decision-making is necessary in all areas, including pricing, market segmentation, and branding.
• People Decisions: The most challenging decisions often involve personnel matters, such as job assignments.

Owning Mistakes and Learning from Them

Acknowledging and learning from mistakes is crucial for building trust and respect.

• Building Respect: Admitting mistakes and sharing lessons learned fosters respect from team members.
• Personal Anecdote: Welch suggests that experiencing failure and owning it is a transformative experience.
• Increased Effectiveness: Owning mistakes is more effective than trying to avoid association with them.

Conclusion

The lanager role is a challenging but essential one, requiring a blend of leadership and management skills. Effective lanagers communicate the "why" and the "how," act as simultaneous translators between different levels of the organization, make difficult decisions, and own their mistakes. While demanding, this integrated approach is crucial for driving organizational success and fostering a culture of trust and respect.