How Much of Leadership Is About Control, Delegation, or Theater? (HBS Working Knowledge)
This topic includes some thought provoking opinions...
..."It may be important for us to believe that our leaders have control over performance, whether or not it is true, particularly in times of turmoil or concern about the future. So to what degree should leaders become thespians, creating an impression that fits expectations? How does one do this and still maintain some sense of modesty and perspective that Jim Collins, in his research, has identified with the most effective leaders? Is some part of leadership about creating the myth of being in control while subtly transferring it to others in the organization? Or, as Pfeffer and Sutton ask, "Should leaders be in more complete control of their organizations?" ..."
Some reader comments I found most notable ...
"In my experience the leader who gets things done on a consistent basis has a persona (or character) that they use to get the job done. It must be consistent with the person, and they have to live it. We often see through the people who are putting on a show but we still listen to the presentation if it has enough theater." - Charlie Cullinane
"I'm sure we all will agree that appropriate delegation is essential to any leader, but leading by example and being in the trenches with your people is more powerful than any e-mail or memo on how to exceed customer expectations or how to demonstrate best practices. By demonstrating the positive deviance behaviors in any organization, you set the tone for those around you. Your team will look to a leader not only for guidance, direction, and praise in words, but also action. " - Grant Koster
"These ideas and hundreds like them miss the whole point of leadership. Leadership isn't measured by performance improvement or how well we can act. It is about relationships and helping others be better. I developed a philosophy many years ago that I teach to others. Leadership is enhancing the worth of others so they can make sound decisions. Real leaders make a difference. Turnover will be low, careers will grow, and performance will increase. I have seen real leaders change lives. I have seen them save a company. I have seen them accomplish tasks with fewer people. Leadership isn't about stuff, it's about people. Leaders don't worry about control. They realize their control and power is accomplished only by giving it away." - Phil Clark
"Change does not occur due to facts alone, but on the hearts and the passions of the team." - Joseph Zayac
"Leadership is modeling proper action and values with integrity and authenticity. "Theater" works only when the "actor" believes in their own role. Good leaders are not pretending, fooling others or fooling themselves." - Mal Rudner
"A good leader must be willing to empower those around them. In addition to empowerment, a leader must work to remove any encumbrances that prevent individuals from setting and reaching goals. However, true leadership is the ability to inspire individuals to rise above themsselves and perform at levels they would normally not reach." - Mike Sowers
"Theatre may be a part of occasional leadership messages which are company-wide in scope and of major significance, yet even then, it is important for the leader not to appear as "grand-standing." True leaders have a desire for power and control; not in the sense of command and control, but in setting direction, philosophy, and strategy. The power in the position should never take a leader away from the fundamentals that brought the leader to the position of power." - Bette Price
posted by Robert Stankavish @ 2:58 PM
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