I agree with Robert E Quinn's, "Habits of Mind" theory. Quinn proposes that the most effective leadership style is one that is derived from within the leader themselves and opposes the notion of imitating the traits of others.
The en Vogue corporate management trend is to have it's personnel partake in case studies. Corporations claim that they are utilized for understanding the particular strategies and issues encountered by other business'. However, the parameters surrounding Southwest Airlines, Toyota and Citibank (eek) are invariably different than the business that is studying them. Why don't corporations study themselves? I could care less about Southwest's "peanut policy"; dammit, I'm busy.
"It's Your Ship" by Capt. D. Michael Abrashoff is another example. The intellectual depth of the entire book barely surpasses the notion: "everyone in the organization is accountable for the success of the organization, et all". Fodder such as Abrashoff's tells a story, but other than my synopsis above, it does not provide one with the means necessary to become a good leader. It simply cannot accomplish it's stated purpose. Why? Simply because we are not in Abrashoff's shoes at the exact same time that he gathered the experiences to write the book.
It's discouraging that American society thinks that they can buy their way to becoming a great leader.
You know what makes a great leader? A person who is motivated, emotionally secure, rational, caring for others and introspective.
-Squid
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree with what makes a great leader. I also believe that everything can be learned, and so if corporate leaders want to learn to become great leaders, they can. However, learning in some instances is hard, and some Americans just don't seem to have the willingness to learn. If a person is already in a position of power, they are less likely to change the habits that got them there. It may take a sudden change to get them to change their ways. This seems to be a part of human nature and one that is contradictory to being a great leader. Also, although people can learn to be great leaders, they may not do as well as those who have talent and are then taught to begin with.
ReplyDelete