LEADERSHIP .. James Flanagan argues effective leadership is not a trait limited to a few but one that is sown within everyone, constantly seeking the opportunity to blossom. It is the role of executive leadership not only to continually develop their own leadership skills but also to encourage others to do so for themselves. Our current dearth of leadership and its fruits comes from the narrow definition given to it. Leaders are defined as those who, in charge of leading others to achieve common goals, make a transformational impact and do so in short order. The faster they do it and the more people affected, the bigger the score they register on the leadership scale. Leaders are doing or delivering what it is believed is expected of them, establishing direction, aligning people and motivating them. Rather than developing leaders according to tasks, we would reap greater benefit if we broadened our definition of leadership and who and what leaders do. Self-awareness is the foundation for creativity and indifference; it generates the confidence to take the necessary action when new opportunities are presented. When we become self-aware we become more understanding of others and it is this understanding that generates effective communication. Leadership, moulded in this way, creates the conditions that encourages people to take risks and builds an environment conducive to managing and sustaining change. Personal leadership is not a final destination but a never-ending work in progress. For the weak- or narrow-minded, it is a chore with at best the attractive prospect of arriving at some imaginary plateau where one coasts and enjoys the status. All leadership begins with self leadership and knowing oneself, understanding one’s moods emotions and drives. Self-regulation is the ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses and moods; the propensity to suspend judgement – to think before acting. Executive leadership is not control or influence but allowing others to develop, blossom and grow....
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 16:40:19 +0000