NEW HOPE, Pa., Nov. 28, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Even top players in the competitive business world can demonstrate flawed leadership abilities. In his new book, What Do I Do Now? Becoming a 21st Century Leader (now available through AuthorHouse), Ted Farrington, Ph.D., effectively illuminates the difference between simply filling an executive role and executing excellent management techniques.
Farrington draws from his experience in research and development to create an intriguing tale of two fictional business leaders, Catherine and Marcus. Both graduated with advanced technical degrees and have spent 20 years progressing through the ranks of large corporations. They are now both vice presidents of research and development and the chief technical officers of their respective companies. Both are in charge of the same number of employees and allotted the same annual budget, but the similarities stop there. Catherine works an average of 50 hours per week compared to Marcus' 80 plus. Despite this, Marcus only achieves about half the productivity, and his employees dread coming to work each day. How does Catherine do it?
Farrington examines these two case studies to reveal the different points at which management can impact the entire work force, either positively or negatively. Whereas Catherine sees every project and new position as a learning opportunity, Marcus fails to leave his comfort zone and try new things, which includes more effectively utilizing his employees' skills.
"This book clarifies, in a very practical way, the differences between leading and managing, between enabling growth and controlling it, between inspiring and giving orders. I plan to use it in our courses on leadership development," writes Gina Colarelli O'Connor, MBA program director at Lally School of Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and author of Radical Innovation: How Mature Companies Can Outsmart Upstarts.
Farrington was born and raised in upstate New York. He received a bachelor's degree in math and physics and a master's degree in math from Clarkson College of Technology and later earned a Master of Science in chemical engineering from the California Institute of Technology. After working in the industry for a few years, he received his doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Maine. He has 25 years of experience in a variety of different roles in research and development, from scientist to corporate officer, and holds 19 U.S. patents. He currently lives with his wife, Gail, in New Hope, Pa., and enjoys running marathons. What Do I Do Now? is his first book.
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