While Oscar is externally focused, Felix is internally focused. Oscar does not get bogged down in the details of internal process, rather sees his role as creating value through design and development of innovative systems, technologies and strategies. It is Oscar’s creativity and vision that excites the staff.
The Importance of Balance
continues to have unparalleled organic growth and profitability, in large part due to the teamwork of Oscar and Felix.
The Manager (Felix)
Felix is an outstanding Manager. He came to Discovery Point approximately 15 years ago to oversee the firm’s P/L, operations, budgeting, reporting, human resources, stewardship and quality assurance practices. Felix works closely with his staff in setting performance standards, meeting deadlines and benchmarking operational efficiency and profitability. His gift is one of organizational metrics – a necessary and critical function for his insurance agency. Felix often asks the question “What operational issues need attention and what are the best means to achieve results so that my staff can best meet our client demands”. Felix is a problem solver. He is focused on goals, resources and organizational structure. He is persistent, tough minded, hard working, intelligent, analytical, tolerant and demonstrates good will toward others.
The Leader (Oscar)
Oscar started at Discovery Point as a producer 20 years ago. He transitioned into the CEO position approximately 4 years ago. Oscar thinks and acts quite differently than Felix. He is not focused on the bottom line. Rather, Oscar is keenly aware of the impact of his people on the bottom line. He understands that behaviors create success. Oscar has a gift of empowering people to take ownership for their roles, responsibilities and actions. Oscar knows how to get his staff to respond. He is an amazing motivator and developer of talent.
Great organizations have a wonderful balance between Leaders and Managers. Leaders are the visionaries who look ahead and plan what is to come. Managers look to the present and make sure that things get done properly. To build and grow an organization, you need Leaders. And to manage one, you need Managers. It is interesting to note that most Leaders are not good Managers. It serves leaders’ well to be aware of their limitations and not over stretch themselves in that role. It is easier to turn a great Manager into a Leader than the other way around.
The success of Discovery Point gives evidence to the importance of balance. Both Oscar and Felix understand each other’s unique abilities and play off of one another.
Oscar and Felix are proud to be partners and embrace each other’s skills. Oscar appreciates Felix’s management capabilities. Felix applauds Oscar’s visionary talents. Behind the desks of Oscar and Felix, there is a document entitled Discovery Point “Balanced Score Card”. Oscar and Felix developed this tool after reading On Becoming a Leader by Warren Bennis. The “scorecard” states:
The Manager administers. The Leader innovates.
The Manager maintains. The Leader develops.
The Manager focuses on systems and structures. The Leader focuses on people.
The Manager has a short range view. The Leader has a long range perspective.
The Manager asks how and when. The Leader asks what and why.
The Manager has his/her eye on the bottom line. The Leader has his/her eye on the horizon.