Organizational effectiveness does not lie in that narrow minded concept called rationality. It lies in the blend of clearheaded logic and powerful intuition
Henry MintzbergRead
Basically, managing is about influencing action. Managing is about helping organizations and units to get things done, which means action. Sometimes, managers manage actions directly. They fight fires. They manage projects. They negotiate contracts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Management involves influencing and facilitating action within organizations to achieve goals.
In this quote, Henry Mintzberg emphasizes that the essence of management lies in the ability to influence and facilitate actions within organizations. He explains that managers are tasked with direct responsibilities that include problem-solving and project management, asserting that their primary role is to ensure that the goals of the organization are met through organized action.
Themes
ManagementActionLeadershipOrganizationsInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
In a business seminar, this quote can be used to illustrate the fundamental role of managers in driving action.
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