Executives Quote by Adam Lashinsky
““In this alternative management structure, executives have limited power but also aren’t expected to have skills that check some all-star management box. You’re hired and appreciated for your ability on the field, not your ability as a coach or manager.””
About This Quote
Source Article: The Rise of the New Manager, Harvard Business Review, 2019
Modern organizations value specialized field expertise over traditional managerial authority, limiting executive power but emphasizing performance on the front lines.
In simple terms: Executives are hired for skill, not for broad managerial talent.
Key Takeaway
Hire for expertise, not for generic leadership.
Themes
management
leadership
career development
organizational design
Mood
pragmatic
critical
forward‑looking
Type
business
leadership
When to use this quote
- team building
- career planning
- organizational restructuring
- talent acquisition
Key Concepts
specialized expertise
limited authority
performance focus
Questions to Reflect On
- What skills are essential for modern executives?
- How can organizations balance expertise with leadership?
A Different Perspective
May reduce strategic oversight and long‑term vision.
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