Dan McCarthy, at Great Leadership, one of my favorite bloggers on the topic of leadership, provides a tongue-in-cheek review of a NY Times article on what makes a successful leader. Check it out.

I competely agree with his take on this “either-or” thinking.

As one of the executive coaches who preaches the importance of good people skills, I’m fully cognizant that my clients also need to execute as well as be very good in the people stuff to be great.

However, my “take” (or excuse?) for working this angle with my clients is that the people skills are what they ask for and usually need help with. Perhaps this is a bit of an over-generalization, but I find that my clients already know how to get the work done. What they ask for is help with (justifiably) in dealing with people. People are complex, and relationships are confusing. An outside voice to help them figure all of this out can be extraordinarily helpful.

The truth is, the most successful leaders absolutely must be skilled with people AND in getting things done. I agree with Dan, and shake my head when reporters have to sell copy with “either-or” headlines like this. What a huge disservice this does to all of the great leaders out there!

So Dan, don’t give up that chocolate cake….yet. You can have it and eat it too!

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