I quite like this quote. Let’s throw it on to the bonfire of debate!

“Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.”
Stephen R. Covey

Thanks Elaine – the story is actually a Covey analogy ( ties in with Greg’s quote below ) from his famous book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

He describes the people cutting through the bush as ‘problem solvers’, they are clearing the way and then behind these people come the managers. The managers sharpen the machetes, write the policy and procedure manuals, hold muscle development programs, and set the schedules and compensation packages for the people with the machetes.

According to Covey, the leader is the one who climbs the tallest tree, surveys the entire situation, and yells, “Wrong jungle!”

Unfortunately the people on the ground will often reply, “Shut up! We’re making excellent progress!”

Or hire a great navigator to help you get there! My understanding of good leadership is YES they need to be great managers, as all managers don’t necessarily become good Leaders. Leaders stand out from the crowd for various reasons, leadership (obviously) and being able to empower the right managers who will in turn empower their teams, who in turn will do a great job. We still need good managers, and in small business its always a challenge to be a great leader in your own company (hence the comment I made above about being able to work ON the business, and not get too bogged down IN the business).
I think there may be a distinction here between small business owners and Irish SME’s. Does it make a difference?
Kelvin – thanks for clarifying the jungle story – I read the Covey book, and have read a different version of it somewhere else also.
Elaine

Barney, great post, it’s amazing the amount of smaller businesses that do no market research and as you point out, it really doesn’t need to be expensive. I consistently see new product launches without any one so much as having a single conversations with a potential customer. What’s even more amazing is that this is not only a small biz issue. When Dave Brock was over, he was able to give examples of larger (in some cases very large) companies falling into the same trap. It’s a strange world

I think that this is an excellent article and it shows the importance of market research in a new market or for a new product.

I would also like to add that it can be invaluable to research your existing clients, just to find out how they are using your offerings, what they like about you and if perhaps they would like to write a testimonial – that also is invaluable insights you should obtain on a regular basis. Peter

Absuluelty agree myprojecttracker I think more of this is needed, as much knocking on doors eye to ey stuf as possible. You will get feedback online, on phone, its company growth. Most peoples communication skills are through the roof. Lets unleash the talent.