Sunday, July 29, 2012

A521.9.4.GA - Reflections on Leadership


Dennings Chapter 12 – “A Different Kind of Leader”

Using Narrative to Become and Interactive Leader – defining how narrative patterns are used for different aspects of leadership. Through the use of narrative leaders expand his or her leadership styles beyond traditional management approaches, such as: command, control, regulation, analysis and optimization.

Leadership has several dimensions:

The interactive leader lets things happen; working with the world instead of against it. This type of leaders avoids manipulation and control and allows the world to manifest itself. The interactive leader is someone who can overcome strong adversaries by channeling his or her energy.  In addition, the interactive leader supplements traditional management methods for new methods that overcome command and control.

 Furthermore, the interactive leader believes in building ones personal integrity and dependability; by defining who you are as a leaders and what you stand, subordinates, colleagues and superiors will come to know you and respect you. However, the interactive leader doesn’t depend on hierarchical authority, but depends on creating direction or improved support for it, offering coaching the improved performance.

Leadership that participates:

Participative leaders believe in engaging the world in active participation rather than detached observation.  Once leaders evolve the world in thinking and behaving the boundary between observation and participation closes. In order for participative leadership to be effective, the leader must precisely those capacities for understanding, trust, and respect that traditional management suppresses.

Leadership that connects:

Unlike controlling managers, the interactive leader attempts to connect with his or her audience. When an interactive leader presents a message, he or she seeks to collaborate and learn from the viewpoint of others. In addition, the interactive leader often adjusts his or her narrative based on the reactions of the audience. The interactive leader is aware of the audience as the audience is aware of the leader and the leader is aware of the audience’s awareness and responsiveness, essentially creating collaboration and understanding.

Overall, the interactive leader believes in the value of coaching verses controlling and defined his or her credibility based on personal integrity and dependability. The interactive leader use storytelling to expand his or her leadership styles beyond traditional management approaches; attempting to create active participation. Furthermore, interactive leaders use narrative a means to connect with his or her audience, hoping to create mutual understanding.

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