With Mediator, Boeing and Union to Renew Contract Talks
Negotiations to end a 45-day machinists union strike against the Boeing Company will resume with a federal mediator in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Mugabe’s Latest Betrayal
It will take a lot more international pressure to force President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe to respect a power-sharing deal with Morgan Tsvangirai.
Former Finnish President Wins Nobel Peace Prize
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/11/world/europe/11nobel.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss"><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/10/11/world/11nobel_75.jpg" border="0" height="75" width="75" hspace="4" align="left"></a>Martti Ahtisaari has worked to end conflicts in troubled spots around the world for more than three decades.
Companies Unlikely to Use Arbitration With Each Other
This week, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case about the enforceability of arbitration agreements.
Zimbabwe Rivals Strike a Bargain to Share Power
It was unclear what a deal between the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe entails.
Study Finds Settling Is Better Than Going to Trial
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/08/business/08law.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss"><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/08/08/business/lawsuit75.jpg" border="0" height="75" width="75" hspace="4" align="left"></a>A study of civil lawsuits has found that most of the plaintiffs who decided to pass up a settlement offer and went to trial ended up getting less money.
Swimmer Pulls Out, Upsetting Her Rivals
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/02/sports/olympics/02swim.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss"><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/08/02/sports/olympics/02swim.75.jpg" border="0" height="75" width="75" hspace="4" align="left"></a>Jessica Hardy withdrew from the United States swim team, declining to pursue an appeal after a failed drug test.
Change in Arbitration Panels Will Allow Investors Only
Investors who think they have been wronged by brokers will be able to have their cases heard by panels consisting only of their peers, with no industry participants.
Talks to Start on Zimbabwe Crisis
South Africa is hoping to convene negotiations between Zimbabwe’s feuding political parties on Tuesday, one day after their leaders met face to face.
Zimbabwe Rivals Tentatively Begin Talks on Political Crisis
The talks between President Robert Mugabe’s ruling party and the opposition are preliminary, but their start is a victory for South African Thabo Mbeki, the regional mediator.
Qatar, Playing All Sides, Is a Nonstop Mediator
In an increasingly divided Arab world, the Qataris have fashioned a reputation as independent arbitrators.
Complex Ties Lead Ally Not to Condemn Mugabe
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/world/africa/27mbeki.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss"><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/06/27/world/zimbabwe_7575.jpg" border="0" height="75" width="75" hspace="4" align="left"></a>South Africa’s president, Thabo Mbeki, is convinced that he can resolve the Zimbabwe crisis through patient negotiations with Robert Mugabe.
Canada Offers an Apology for Native Students’ Abuse
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/world/americas/12canada.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss"><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/06/12/world/school.75.jpg" border="0" height="75" width="75" hspace="4" align="left"></a>The Canadian government apologized for forcing about 150,000 native children into government-financed residential schools where many suffered physical and sexual abuse.
Israel Holds Peace Talks With Syria
The governments confirmed that Israel and Syria have begun indirect peace talks, mediated by Turkey, aimed at reaching a comprehensive accord.
Advice From White House Is Not Always Followed
Israel’s decision to enter into peace talks with Syria is at odds with the course counseled by the White House.


new road. To build that road there are workers, machinery and tools which are all vital in the road’s construction. Managers help ensure those workers, machinery and tools work together in the most efficient way possible. A manager makes sure those workers are well-trained, motivated, rested and that they know what they’re supposed to do next. The manager does the same thing with the tools and the machinery to make sure that they’re working correctly and that the workers are able to use them efficiently and safely. This is the role of management. On the other hand, a leader makes sure that the road is going in the right direction before the construction begins. That leader also monitors conditions in new situations to ensure that the road under construction is still the correct one and is still going in the right direction.

How does this affect you as a leader? Are you spending your time managing people when you should be making sure that the road ahead is the one that you want to be on? To expect to be an effective leader you must present a clear vision and a trail you are willing to walk on first. While there are times when it is appropriate for a leader to fill a management role, it is vital to understand the difference between leadership and management so you can be effective no matter which role you happen to be filling at a given time. If you are a leader overseeing managers, it is important that you provide them with the correct perspective so they may be effective in their management role. Don’t manage the managers. Lead them.

If you are not in a formal leadership role, it is also important that you understand that when a leadership opportunity arises there is a difference between being a leader and managing the effort. Even if you end up filling both sets of shoes it’s important to understand the difference in roles in order to fill them effectively. If, on the other hand, you learn how to lead by showing people that you are walking down the right road, you will become a natural leader and will be able to help many others find success as your achieve your own.

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