I’ve been thinking over
different leadership skills, qualities and competencies recently. Is it better to be a
powerful and autocratic leader, or a quiet and compassionate leader? These two sets
of leadership styles are not necessary opposing, and I’m not even sure if
one CAN be better than the other.
Being a leader is a difficult
task especially if you are given responsibilities that you are not familiar
with. Do you accept this position?? If so you are going to be put under the microscope by your team members, colleagues, customers, stakeholders etc they all will be looking at you in the way and how you
act, the way you look and the way you talk, the language that you use. It is important to be conscious of
your actions and understand more importantly the impact of your actions because the goal is to project an image of effectivess and authenticity. These leaders possess certain
features that can help them gain the respect and recognition of others,
these are known as leadership
qualities – and the good news is they can be learned and
applied to help you become a successful leader.
I’d like you to read this short passage about the Sherpa.
n. pl. Sherpa
or Sher·pas
A member of a traditionally Buddhist
people of Tibetan descent living on the southern side of the Himalaya Mountains
in Nepal and Sikkim. In modern times Sherpas have achieved world renown as
expert guides on Himalayan mountaineering expeditions.
I am the Sherpa, I know the way, I show the way, I travel the way. I have the strength to carry my own load, and the humility to carry yours. I have the resourcefulness to travel with the lightest load possible, and to use the resources of my own surroundings, no matter how bleak, to make the journey successful.
Unknown Source.
I really liked this metaphor of a Sherpa as a leader and it made me think around his leadership qualities:
-
he has a clear vision
of the destination not just the journey
-
leads by example by
being willing to serve others
-
is familiar with the
route and surroundings
-
has the flexibility
to adapt to circumstances as they arise
-
demonstrates courage
to take responsibility for others on the journey
- is happy to let others “dance in the spotlight” a lack of ego which is rare when coupled with such strong belief
I now invite you to take on the Sherpa qualities; and
reflect on the following:-
If you adopted these leadership qualities
what difference would this make to the way you think and practice leadership in
your business?How would it benefit you as a leader, and those around you who you lead?
Next
post - Where do you find your leadership role models?
Janette, I really like the leading by example part. It equates quite well to being a parent, something I myself can identify with. I think the "courage to take responsibility for others on the journey" is something I would like to reflect on and explore. Can you explain the idea a little more? I would wonder about the pitfalls of allowing others to feel not responsible for their own actions?
ReplyDeleteAs a graphic designer who deals directly with the end client, having a clear vision of the end goal is imperative, and key to a successful outcome for all stakeholders involved. I certainly have always found that being flexible, creating space for the ideas of others and giving credit where it is due is something that builds respect and trust within a work group. I think this is perhaps the dividend of letting others "dance in the spotlight"
-- Sharon Clarke (Dip. Professional Management Practice participant - 2nd cohort)
HI Sharon thanks for your post. Like you as a mum my leadership style at home has been one of taking resposibility for others in my sons younger years however this has changed more recently from being one of telling to one of coaching allowing my son to start taking responsibility for himself as he is now 16. I think what I got from this analagy with the Sherpa is one that "one leadership style" doesnt fit all situations and people. that again like Goleman suggests its about assessing the context, situation, the person and using the appropriate leadership style. The Sherpa's role lends itself very much to a more directive role as the "followers" are not familiar with the context etc and it would be dangerous to allow them to take the lead. Hope that makes sense....
ReplyDeleteYes, thank you Janette. So when introducing a new idea to the stakeholders that surround you, you should take responsibility for their achieving a full understanding of your vision, and for their actions while under your instruction at this early stage. I guess the level of understanding the other stakeholders have of your vision perhaps acts as a measure of how well you have briefed them, just like with child rearing?! :) So when a group has matured in it's understanding of the end goal, and together worked out how to get there, perhaps it is then time to expect a little more individual accountability? Hope I've picked that up right!
DeleteThanks again Janette.
-- Sharon Clarke (Dip. Professional Management Practice participant - 2nd cohort)
Check out Hershey and Blanchard's Leadership framework it will help frame your arguement. It looks at the maturity of the person you are leading and their relative experience with the task and recommends the leadership style you should adopt.
DeleteWas just reading back over the above . . . I obviously mean me/one (or I) when I say "you", hope you understood what I meant!
ReplyDeleteMy stakeholders are clients, suppliers, and sometimes the staff of my clients, (and with an eye on my client's customers too).
The story of the Sherpa is very humbling. I think of Sherpa's and Everest and the image of that philosphy facing the battle to reach the top of a mountain gives a profound perspective on life. It really emphasises to me that you don't need a fancy title or big salary to lead. I have been thinking also about the above comments about being a mum and how important not just to limit thinking about leadership in terms of work. I have learned so many leadership lessons in having teenagers. Also as a Guide leader I can see many situations where while I was the leader in an activity, just being together, listening, talking and encouraging the girls to blossom and fly they would and become the leaders.
ReplyDeleteStill thinking about the Sherpa. A neighbour called in-he has mountain leadership award and takes groups of young people on expeditions. We discussed whether the sherpa would have known if the people in the group were actually capable of reaching the end point- Jim Collins idea of getting the right people in the right seats on the bus.or alternatively were they strangers whom he agreed to take on a journey trusting that all would be well.
ReplyDeleteOur discussion lead us to talk about the nature of a group facing difficulties re: weather and changing situational factors. My friend commented that as the leader he could get hurt or the geography could bring unpredictable problems. My experience is that with challenge and adversity comes the surfacing of real strength. Even with a language barrier the sherpa would have to place significant trust in the others in the group as they could all only get to the end goal by working together. Relationships, trust and respect would all be needed. Some affiliative leadership style? Some visionary style and some coaching in there too?