Copy and You're Second Best

Published: Jun 9, 2004

Application

When you take over from an effective, popular manager you may be tempted to carry on with the same management style. This is not always a good strategy because you will be compared with your predecessor. You are likely to lose on most of the comparisons because the chances are you will not be good enough for the followers. Especially, not with those who resist any change.

When you copy your predecessor's style the best you can ever be is a good copy. Whereas, if you create or impose your own leadership style there will be fewer comparisons.

Have more confidence in yourself than did the person who appointed you. Be yourself.

Be careful not to throw out the baby with the bath water. Preserve that upon which you cannot improve.

Be mindful of the best path to creativity is to learn the basics discovered by others then, create from that base.