We just read a book with the subtitle “The Inner Path to Leadership”. I won’t get into what I thought of the book, but my initial response to the subtitle was “why would this be a mass produced book? We can’t have a whole group of people who are leaders; who would be around to follow?” I thought of leaders as people who “take up the cause”, bear the brunt of the work, know what needs to be done, forge ahead, etc.
However, in the past couple weeks the word leadership has come up a lot, and I’m working on redefining the term and applying my new concept of leadership to my life here at Findhorn.
Being a leader can mean taking initiative, allowing myself to step into a needed position and to step out when appropriate, but never just to sit back and “let things happen”. It does not have to mean taking full responsibility for the direction a group goes – although it would be exercising leadership to point out when the group takes what I perceive to be an unhealthy turn, and maybe even propose a potential solution or redirection. A room full of leaders wouldn’t be a room full of competition, it could be a powerful force as a whole. Each leader would step in when appropriate and bring new issues, solutions and perceptions to light as needed, all working toward the greater good of the group or goal. On the other hand, a room full of people with only one leader means only one set of expressed ideas, one mind for inspiration, one person able to wholeheartedly step into the process, conscience and all. A room full of leaders will almost inevitably mean more conflict, but 1) when working for an agreed-upon goal beyond pleasantness or uniformity, conflict can be the most fertile soil for new beginnings and 2) with only one leader, conflict will arise in the form of resentment and “behind the scenes” or indirect attempts by “followers” to get their way.
I’m only beginning to formulate ideas surrounding leadership and group dynamics, and I’m sure this could be a very long conversation, so I’ll stop there - but if anyone has any thoughts regarding leadership/group dynamics etc., I’d love to hear them!
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4 comments:
I'm so glad you're pondering this leadership stuff... I think it's important. I heard someone respond to the question "how do I know if I'm a leader?" by saying "turn around and see if anyone is following." I'd say there's truth to that, but it's simplistic. No doubt each of us leads or follows at times.... both are needed.
I like what you said about the possibility of a group of leaders being very effective. That could happen if their leadership skills included the ability to listen as well as express, and if there are not too many inflated or hyper-sensitive egos.
About group dynamics and leadership, a great "text" to study would be the original movie "Twelve Angry Men". Awesome.... one of my favorites ....shouldn't have bothered with a remake! I had one angry man come to my door last night. He is a neighbor who is upset with the neighborhood board and how they manage things. He was intent upon character assassination and getting a rather unreasonable petition signed. Now I like the guy, as I've seen him when he isn't frothing at the mouth. I let him have his complete say, then suggested the possibility of less radical action without implying he was full of crap. Our exchange ended peaceably with a bit of humor injected, and my volatile friend did not continue to recruit a posse, so far as I know.
Excellent! Wish I could have been there :) I've got to see that movie, it's been on my list for years. We've been studying the principles of NVC (Non-Violent Communication) here as well, which really helps with the listening aspect. I'd love to talk about it with you when I get back, along with many other things...
We love you and miss you and wish you could be here to go see R. Buckminster Fuller at PCS. So incredibly amazing. We'll talk about it when you get back. When might that be?
BIG HUGS,
Mama & Papa R.
I'd love to hear about that! Wish I could have been there.
I'll be back on January 1 or 2. Can't wait for your hugs :)
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