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About this quote

What does it mean?
Hopper distinguishes between managing tasks and leading people.
In plain terms
Management handles things, leadership handles people.
What can you take from it?
Know the difference between leading and managing.

Where it applies

  • leading a team
  • transitioning to management
  • hiring

Putting it to work

  • developing leadership skills
  • managing people
  • structuring teams

Questions to consider

  • What is more important in your role?
  • How do you balance managing tasks and leading people?

Another view

Effective roles often require a blend of both skills.

More from Grace Hopper

  1. The most dangerous phrase in the language is, 'We've always done it this way.'

    Permalink to quote #12

  2. On COBOL: 'But Grace, then anyone will be able to write programs!'

    Permalink to quote #14

  3. The wonderful thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from.

    Permalink to quote #11

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