Is Leadership Essential?
I hope I made my point in the previous 5 papers that Leadership, without question, is an essential condition of life and that even a small group of people will not long survive without someone leading them. So, Leaders are found everywhere and in every kind of group, big and small. My own research has shown me that really “good” leaders are a rare breed. But most leaders have it in them, if they choose, to become “good” leaders. It comes down to becoming and being VULNERABLE with those they live and work with. Clearly, NOT EASY.
Certain indicators helped me to know whether “change” can happen with the leaders I worked with. Remember, this is my discovery and not something I read in one of my psychology or philosophy books. Quickly revisiting, when I worked with a leader’s staff, I began to sense that they were not the “real” problem but that the root cause was the leader. In subtle or obvious ways, the leader is the “problem to the answer.” What an “ah-ha” moment—since I had been a leader for 27 plus years and never thought of myself as a problem to my employees. Was I???
Leaders send all types of messages. Not being present, not listening, and therefore not understanding, as well as other indicators like a sneer or roaming eyes that tell staff they are wasting time trying to communicate with their leader. How does it feel being related to in this manner? Also, is there a payback? Bet on it!
I immediately went back to reading anything and everything about leadership, which led me to Power, Control, and why Nations, Businesses, and just two in relationship collapse. I had to find a way of working with a leader that had the courage to grow and to grow others. And I did. I genuinely do care for those I worked with for what they gave back to me. My own growth.
Sy