Dr. Adizes in his book “The Ideal Executive” describes modern perception of the ideal manager: “…The ideal manager is knowledgeable, achievement-oriented, detail-oriented, systematic, efficiency-oriented, organized, a logical and linear thinker; charismatic, visionary, a risk-taker, change-oriented; sensitive to people and their needs…” and a couple of paragraphs later asks a question: “Where on earth do you find this animal?”

In order to achieve a well-managed organization, there are four roles which must be performed: (P)roducing the results for which the organization exists, (A)dministering systems and process for efficiency, (E)ntrepreneuring for  leading innovation and change, and (I)ntegrating so the different parts of the organization work together for long-term accomplishment.

These four roles together are sufficient for any organization to be well managed. However, if one or more of the roles is deficient the result is mismanagement, manifested by problems such as falling market share, lower profits, high staff turnover, slow response to changes, etc.