A biography, photo and highlights his career, publications and honors featured on Behavior Online.
www.behavior.net
Excerpts on leaders and the characteristics of leadership.
westy.jtwn.k12.pa.us
Insights on what separates good leaders from bad ones and how ordinary managers can become extraordinary leaders.
www.leader-values.com
A March 26, 1997 transcript of David Gergen's interview with Warren Bennis.
www.pbs.org
A chapter from Leader to Leader, a Drucker Foundation publication. Discusses the role of group leadership.
www.pfdf.org
A 1997 interview written by Joel Kurtzman and published in Strategy and Business.
www.strategy-business.com
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Guide to Management Theory of Warren Bennis
Use Bennis theory to transform managers into effective leadersBennis identified 13 characteristics which differentiate real leaders from mere managers. True leadership then, according to Bennis management theory, is the difference between various pairs of tendencies (the first one in each pair being a trait of management and the second a trait of leadership). The 13 traits follow.
1. Administration vs. innovation
2. Carbon copy vs. original
3. Maintenance vs. development
4. System or structure focus vs. people focus (an important differentiation in Bennis leadership theory)
5. Control vs. inspiration
6. Acceptance vs. investigation
7. Short-range vs. long-range perspective
8. Interest in "how" and "when" vs. interest in "what" and "why"
9. View toward bottom line vs. view toward horizon
10. Imitation vs. origination
11. Acceptance vs. challenge of/to status quo
12. Conformity (i.e., "good soldier" mentality) vs. individuality
13. Desire to do things right vs. ability to do the right things
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Acquire some background information on Bennis management theory
Numerous websites provide valuable information about Bennis leadership theory. In addition to summaries of Warren Bennis leadership principles, you'll also find helpful information on Bennis group development theory. These resources can help you develop the expertise to put Bennis management and leadership theories to work for your company.
I recommend:
Organization Development Network offers "Group Development," which explains the Warren Bennis management theory of group development. YouTube presents "Warren Bennis on Leadership," which is Part 3 of a four-part series. You'll also find the remainder of the series, along with a number of other Bennis videos, on the site. (Entering "Warren Bennis" into the website's search field will bring up the entire collection, which you'll find to be a rich repository of valuable information on Bennis theory.)
Connect with a consultant who offers insight into Bennis's management theory
Consultants with knowledge and experience in the management theory of Warren Bennis can guide you in maximizing the benefit of his principles in your own company's unique environment.
I recommend:
Linkage Incorporated features a large group of multi-disciplined leadership consultants. Paul Glen of C2 Consulting is another leadership expert who provides speaking and consulting services to technology-related companies. Glen's leadership approach, presented in his book, Leading Geeks, has been endorsed by Warren Bennis; his book is in fact part of the Warren Bennis Signature Series.
Look for tools that help put Bennis management theory to work for you
Widely available online tools and resources can help you more easily implement Bennis management and leadership theories. Audio books, assessments and other Bennis theory training products let you choose the resources most valuable to your business.
I recommend:
Personalysis Corporation offers a questionnaire and report, which come highly recommended by Warren Bennis for learning about one's personal and management style and determining the compatibilities and "disconnects" between work group members. Linkage, Inc., offers a distance learning program featuring Warren Bennis on The Most Common (and Often Fatal) Failures of Top Leadership. SyberVision offers The Neuropsychology of Leadership audio book, co-authored by Warren Bennis, Burt Nanus and Steve Devore. The work is available in three editions: CD, MP3 disc and MP3 download.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide- Be sure to take advantage of as many online tools and resources as possible to develop a clear understanding of the value that Warren Bennis management theory can have for your company.
