Are you an executioner, an executor or an executive?
We've all seen them, interviewed them, worked for them, and either loved them or left them. And, my oh my, what different workplaces they can produce!
Consider the differences between...
"The Executioner" ex·e·cu·tion·er [ek-si-kyoo-shuh-ner]
-noun
- A Hatchet-Man. Literally. Or maybe a knife, rope, needle...you choose.
- A take-no-prisoners "boss" who is brought in to control the troops, clean up messes, and quickly manages to makes it clear to the staff that not only are their opinions and input not valued or desired, but also that it would be fine if they simply didn't exist at all.
- Origin: Insecurity, Hormone Imbalance, Unresolved Childhood Rage
Visual Identification Clues: Members of the team visibly flinch or tremble when they're asked to attend a meeting with "The Executioner". When they pass his office, they move quickly and stealthily so as not to be noticed en route to the corner bar for daily scotch or tequila shots so that they loosen up enough to bitch loudly about how much they hate their jobs and their boss. They still get things done under fire and at the last minute, but usually just moments before they lose their jobs, and sometimes with a really bad hang-over.
Synonym(s): Bully, Bastard, Devil, Slimeball
Antonym: Servant Leader (See related post, "On Servant Leadership and Sector Leadership")
"The Executor" ex·ec·u·tor [ig-zek-yuh-ter or ek-si-kyoo-ter]
-noun
- A Yes-Man, or if you prefer the more risqué sounding "executrix," then a Yes-Woman, at least, as long as "the rules" are followed.
- A nice. law-abiding non-offensive kind of person who semi-zealously echoes and executes the wishes of others, some of whom have been "mostly dead" all day, all month, or all year.
- Origin: Laziness, Apathy, Fear
Visual Identification Clues: Members of the team are firmly corralled in their silos or cubicles, ticking off action items on hourly, weekly or monthly to-do lists before they leave to go home at 5 pm promptly every afternoon. When they meet with " The Executor", which is at least weekly if not more often, they have a long list of items that "are-not-in-the-job-description", that "haven't-gotten-done-because-others-have-dropped-the-ball", and that are "much-too-risky-to-even-consider." You won't find team members at the local bar griping about the boss though, because they don't want to have to spend any more time with co-workers than absolutely necessary. It's just not that important, after all.
Synonym(s): Stickler, Clockwatcher, Checklister
Antonym: Change Agent (See related post, "Are You Spreading Silo Disease?")
The "Executive" ex·ec·u·tive [ig-zek-yuh-tiv]
-noun
- Someone who "walks the talk," "manages by walking around," and who "creates measurable outcomes" but no one is sure what they are or if they were ever actually measured.
- Caller of regular breakfast, lunch and dinner meetings, as well as top-level leadership "retreats," who also happens to be a great golf partner with an expense account filled with fine steak and red wine dinners and frequent business travel to exotic locations.
- Origin: Narcissism, Recklessness, Political Aspirations
Visual Identification Clues: During the rare times you spot "The Executive" in the office, you'll find her surrounded by her speech writer, the marketing/PR team, and her executive assistant/scheduler/travel planner. The rest of the team doesn't know where "The Executive" is most of the time (whew, thank goodness), but they know that sooner rather than later, she's going to suddenly appear at an inopportune moment with a wild new "management by fad" idea that she heard from one of her friends, that must be rolled out to the entire organization, TOMORROW.
Synonyms(s): Schmoozer, People-Pleaser, "It's-All-About-Me" Kind of Gal or Guy
Antonym: Leader (See related post, "How to Lure the Best Leadership Team? Envision It.")
So what's my point? I dare say that all of these folks who are executing all day long aren't really leading. In fact, they may not even be managing well. In other words, "Execution Does Not a Leader Make." What does make a leader, you ask? Check out these 18 traits of successful nonprofit and NGO leaders.
Other leadership tips of potential interest, organized for your convenience below!
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