Letter: Kelly will lead, not simply manage

To the Editor:

I am a former Goodhue county Sheriff’s deputy and an officer with the Lakeville Police Department. I worked with both sheriff candidates and can tell you from experience that there is one difference between them. Scott McNurlin is a manager and Marty Kelly is a leader.

You may or may not know the difference, but I found several while reading Warren Bennis’ book “On Becoming a Leader.” The manager administers: the leader innovates. The manager is a copy; the leader is an original. The manager maintains; the leader develops.

The manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people. The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust. The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range view.

The manager asked how and when; the leader asks what and why. The manager has his eye on the bottom line; the leader has his eye on the horizon. The manager imitates; the leader originates. The manger accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it. The manager is a classic good soldier; the leader is his own person. The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing.

Marty Kelly will lead with honor and integrity.

Jeremy Lerfald

Wanamingo

Tags: marty kelly, opinion, elections, letters, county