This article explores a common trap for organizational leaders - falling in love with the plan.

Sgt Wayne Wood Payne wood, I guess every field has the potential for possessiveness that stifles success or collaboration?

How big are the egos involved

@ Cpl Jeff Cpl Jeff N. , that’s a growing area of discussion...what separates managers and leaders?

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey - Managers tend to oversee specific functions, activities or work. They may have some latitude in doing so but they essentially manage process and procedure/activity etc. normally with clear metrics for performance of those tasks. It is essential to every company to have effective managers.

Leaders help set direction and move organizations to new/different places. They see around corners and motivate people to be better and different. They do this through concepts like leading by example and utilizing a set of principals that make people want to follow them. Things like character, honesty, integrity etc. They tend to have people skills that draw others to them too.

Normally they are more experiences and knowledgeable than most around them which helps them lead others. In the military most get that experience through time in service, time in grade, promotions, awards and decorations etc. In the civilian world you don't have rank, time in service and awards and decorations (most places). You may have time with a company or time in an industry but actual results in the business world in specific areas of endeavor are important to position a leader well.

To be a little crass, leadership can be a little like pornography. We may not all have the exact same definition or be able to define it but you know it when you see it.

There is a great quote from General Krulak on leadership I use. I don't have it with me as I am not networked to my files. To me, in a couple of paragraphs it encapsulates the leadership concept.