A few people who have attended a "Treasure in Clay Jars" workshop this fall thought they heard us say leaders are unnecessary. They couldn't have been more wrong! So, why did these people hear that? Because we are strong advocates of more decentralized, collaborative work environments. In fact, we believe this way of working together isn't just preferred; in the emerging future, we believe it is inevitable. And some people assume there's no role for a leader in a decentralized organization. Ha!
A whole lot of people can tell other people what to do (the old model of leadership). But it takes real skill to recognize, tap into, and unleash the creativity, intelligence, and passion of the people you're working with (the new model of leadership). And that is the kind of leadership our businesses, nonprofits, governments, and religious organizations need today.
John Baldoni, blogging at Harvard Business.org, wrote last week that ..."leadership is essential to improvement. While more than two-thirds of Americans, according to the National Leadership Index for 2009 published by the Harvard Kennedy School, believe 'we have a leadership crisis,' nearly nine in ten (87%) believe that 'problems we face today can be solved through effective leadership.'"
But what we don't need is more of the same old leadership that got us into the current mess. Many people are recognizing the need for a new kind of leadership. And some companies are doing something about it. Here is Baldoni, again:
According to the Wall Street Journal, GE has revised the curriculum at Crotonville, its famed management development center, to learn from mistakes it made in the current recession. There is an emphasis on teaching executives to focus on humility and listening as well as encouraging them "to challenge assumptions, think more globally," and be "more accountable."GE is teaching their managers to think of themselves more like Columbus, on a journey into uncharted waters, uncertain about what lies ahead. (More from ARE on adventuring Into The Unknown from last Friday's post.) On that kind of journey, you need all hands on deck; you need every ounce of innovation and energy people have to give.
And you need leaders who can inspire and set people free to give it.
Unfortunately, too many organizations have leaders who have been schooled in an old model. They use it until it doesn't work anymore. And then they hide under their desks behind locked cabin doors, hoping the storm will blow over. That's what religion writer/blogger, Susan Hogan, seems to suggest the leaders of one of the largest denominations in the US is doing these days. It may be what you are doing, if you are leading an organization that has been rocked by the recession or some other crisis. If so, come on out of there.
Your people need you.
Join us for a Treasure in Clay Jars workshop!
Only TWO DAYS remaining for the early-bird rate in Orlando (Dec 1) and Charlotte (Dec 1).
Only ONE WEEK remaining for the early-bird rate in Philly (Dec 10).
Also announcing a HEARTLAND TOUR extension!
Register before the end of the year for a 2010 workshop and get the 2009 early-bird rate:
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