Letters

Focus on self

Re "The Gift of Focus," Brandt On Leadership, Dec. 11, 2000, Page 15: I agree wholeheartedly that focus is needed, but we need to focus on the right thing. I have a [quotation] on my desk [that] reads: "The reason most major goals are not achieved is that we spend our time doing

Mark L. Anderson Sr. Weld Engineer Allison Transmission Div. General Motors Corp. Indianapolis

I just finished reading [John Brandt's column] in the Dec. 11, 2000, issue and how right on it is. My management style has been evolving for 20 years and, I think, the style is more leader than manager. However, I have the feeling lately that I am doing exactly what [Brandt says], namely: ". . . pretty soon ... we're involved in every crisis, whether they require our vast knowledge or not."

I don't usually micromanage my staff but I find I am doing so more and more. It's as though if I don't have some input into whatever is happening, I might not be leading or, at least, [am not] a pivotal factor in the eyes of the staff. They need me, right?