It's not gossip about actors or stories of politicians or any new scandals, but rather about how people should look at themselves and consider who they are, so they can know if their actions will meet their future objectives.

The message targets business chiefs and asks: are you a "manager" or a "leader"?

In its comparison, the e-mail says that while the manager depends on authority, the leader depends on goodwill. While the manager inspires fear, the leader inspires enthusiasm. That says a lot, for research shows goodwill can create more positive results than plain orders that say you must do this and that.

The manager commands, but the leader asks. (People know they are born with equal rights, but social position ranks them on different levels. If they were treated as being in the same league as the boss, that alone would greatly boost their morale.)

The manager never has enough time, but the leader makes time for things that count.

The manager uses people, but the leader develops them.

The manager is concerned with things, but the leader is concerned with people.

The manager says "I", but the leader says "we". (Indeed, it is a lot nicer when a boss counts all employees as a part of his organisation. This inspires employees to do their best for the best results.)

The manager says, "Get here on time," but the leader gets there ahead of time. The manager fixes blame for the breakdown, but the leader fixes the breakdown.

The manager knows how it is done, but the leader shows how.

The manager works hard to produce, but the leader works hard to help people produce.

The manager takes the credit, but the leader gives it.

Finally, do you want to be a manager or a leader?

"Be a manager if you want to survive alone. Be a leader if you want to live together with your people." I also recommend these principles to politicians. No one wants to see someone on an unstoppable rise to the top while people behind are falling into a deep well.

achara_d@nationgroup.com