As we come to a conclusion in this Leadership Communications course I reflect on what it means to be an effective leader. Denning describes several dimensions of "a different kind of leader" and we have spent nine weeks discovering the power of narrative in preparation of taking leadership to a whole new level. The lessons learned have given us new tools for our toolbox. Moving forward with this new found knowledge I feel confident as well as excited for my future as a leader.
Taking a closer look at Denning's dimensions of leadership we can clearly determine what it is going to take to be a unique and effective leader. He talks about allowing the world to work for you rather than against you (p.270). His comparison of the traditional leader to a boxer trying knock the world out with superior hitting power reminds me of the words of LtCol Jimmy Doolittle during the WWII air assault on Japan who said, "Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor was blow to America. This mission will be a pin prick to Japan... but it will be right through their heart". Surgical leadership is far more effective than massive attempts at making change. Using what we have before us to lead effectively is more efficient than cramming a round peg in a square hole. In my future story I choose to be a surgical leader. I will look for ways to use what is in front of me to find solutions to problems, work in harmony with the world offers me, and turn obstacles into opportunities. I will be what Denning describes as a Ninja Leader channeling my energy in positive directions.
Another dimension of leadership is building off integrity and authenticity. Our driving force should always be directing us towards doing what is right and real. Making decisions is a tough job sometimes, and standing on a solid foundation of integrity allows us to make tough choices with confidence. Denning writes, "Because you speak the truth, you are believed" (p.270). People will follow honesty and integrity. By making my values known and following through on my values will remove doubts of my intentions as a leader. We move forward as a team, not individuals. We need to know our leaders have the best intentions, integrity, and moral values. Without these core elements it will be very likely that any progress will have to be revisited and fixed somewhere down the road. I choose integrity and honesty. These core values make me a better person, and if I am to make better people around me through leadership it is paramount to have a command of this dimension.
Leadership can happen anywhere by anyone at any time. Denning's dimension of leadership that describes this phenomenon states "interactive leadership doesn't depend on the possession of hierarchical authority" (p. 271). In other words, leadership transcends common barriers and set parameters. It can flourish in any environment under any circumstances. Through self improvement and continuous education we can better prepare ourselves to lead whenever the opportunity arises. Often it is our personal moral compass that establishes the direction people want to follow. The better we are the better we will lead. Deon Sanders, one of the greatest defensive players ever in the NFL, said it best, "a play does not care who makes it... it only wants to be made". We may never know when our skills and abilities as leaders will be most needed, but being prepared to make that play when the opportunity presents itself is the key to being a strong leader.
I have learned so much from this course and authors like Denning. The most important aspect I can take away from this class is that these resources have got to be revisited over and over again. The sacred and feared samurai sword does not become razor sharp with a few strokes from a flint rock. It takes constant pressure and repetition to be sharp. Looking ahead to my future I feel empowered with a wealth of knowledge, sources of knowledge, and an understanding of how to be a better person and leader. I am excited to see what is next.
JP
Denning, S. (2011). The leader's guide to storytelling. San Francisco; Jossey-Bass.
Taking a closer look at Denning's dimensions of leadership we can clearly determine what it is going to take to be a unique and effective leader. He talks about allowing the world to work for you rather than against you (p.270). His comparison of the traditional leader to a boxer trying knock the world out with superior hitting power reminds me of the words of LtCol Jimmy Doolittle during the WWII air assault on Japan who said, "Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor was blow to America. This mission will be a pin prick to Japan... but it will be right through their heart". Surgical leadership is far more effective than massive attempts at making change. Using what we have before us to lead effectively is more efficient than cramming a round peg in a square hole. In my future story I choose to be a surgical leader. I will look for ways to use what is in front of me to find solutions to problems, work in harmony with the world offers me, and turn obstacles into opportunities. I will be what Denning describes as a Ninja Leader channeling my energy in positive directions.
Another dimension of leadership is building off integrity and authenticity. Our driving force should always be directing us towards doing what is right and real. Making decisions is a tough job sometimes, and standing on a solid foundation of integrity allows us to make tough choices with confidence. Denning writes, "Because you speak the truth, you are believed" (p.270). People will follow honesty and integrity. By making my values known and following through on my values will remove doubts of my intentions as a leader. We move forward as a team, not individuals. We need to know our leaders have the best intentions, integrity, and moral values. Without these core elements it will be very likely that any progress will have to be revisited and fixed somewhere down the road. I choose integrity and honesty. These core values make me a better person, and if I am to make better people around me through leadership it is paramount to have a command of this dimension.
Leadership can happen anywhere by anyone at any time. Denning's dimension of leadership that describes this phenomenon states "interactive leadership doesn't depend on the possession of hierarchical authority" (p. 271). In other words, leadership transcends common barriers and set parameters. It can flourish in any environment under any circumstances. Through self improvement and continuous education we can better prepare ourselves to lead whenever the opportunity arises. Often it is our personal moral compass that establishes the direction people want to follow. The better we are the better we will lead. Deon Sanders, one of the greatest defensive players ever in the NFL, said it best, "a play does not care who makes it... it only wants to be made". We may never know when our skills and abilities as leaders will be most needed, but being prepared to make that play when the opportunity presents itself is the key to being a strong leader.
I have learned so much from this course and authors like Denning. The most important aspect I can take away from this class is that these resources have got to be revisited over and over again. The sacred and feared samurai sword does not become razor sharp with a few strokes from a flint rock. It takes constant pressure and repetition to be sharp. Looking ahead to my future I feel empowered with a wealth of knowledge, sources of knowledge, and an understanding of how to be a better person and leader. I am excited to see what is next.
JP
Denning, S. (2011). The leader's guide to storytelling. San Francisco; Jossey-Bass.
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