As a new year approaches and I think about leadership I am reminded of the words of Burns and Bennis.
James MacGregor Burns acidly stated, "Leadership is one of the most observed and least understood phenomena on earth" (van Mart 2003). Another particularly eminent scholar--Warren Bennis--came to the same conclusion in the mid-1980s: "Never have so many labored so long to say so little," and "leadership is the most studied and least understood topic of any in the social sciences" (Bennis and Nanus 1985).
These scholars make a valid point but, it is not one to despair over. I believe as long as there are scholars/practitioners/ leaders the concept of leadership will continue to grow and expand in understanding. With globalization and increase interaction of cultures, the concept of leadership has increase in understanding, thus we have the birth of Multifaceted Leadership Theory/ Awakened Leadership, a concept of leadership that encompasses other styles and capacities of leadership, such as Autocratic Leadership, Laissez -Faire Leadership and Democratic Leadership. (Marques 2006) Additionally, an Awaken Leader is tuned into Servant Leadership and understands how to apply and when to apply the precepts of servant leadership (Marques 2006). Thus what I see is a dynamic system that grows as one gains understanding of his or her environment and as the environment increase or decreases in scope and scale. So, I will not lament over Burns’ and Bennis’ perspective, but instead I will view the study of leadership as a challenge and voyage in an uncharted continent that is filled with unexplored lands and mysteries. And, with a scholar/practitioner/ leader model my exploration will be an enlighten journey.
These scholars make a valid point but, it is not one to despair over. I believe as long as there are scholars/practitioners/ leaders the concept of leadership will continue to grow and expand in understanding. With globalization and increase interaction of cultures, the concept of leadership has increase in understanding, thus we have the birth of Multifaceted Leadership Theory/ Awakened Leadership, a concept of leadership that encompasses other styles and capacities of leadership, such as Autocratic Leadership, Laissez -Faire Leadership and Democratic Leadership. (Marques 2006) Additionally, an Awaken Leader is tuned into Servant Leadership and understands how to apply and when to apply the precepts of servant leadership (Marques 2006). Thus what I see is a dynamic system that grows as one gains understanding of his or her environment and as the environment increase or decreases in scope and scale. So, I will not lament over Burns’ and Bennis’ perspective, but instead I will view the study of leadership as a challenge and voyage in an uncharted continent that is filled with unexplored lands and mysteries. And, with a scholar/practitioner/ leader model my exploration will be an enlighten journey.
Also, with the new year new leaders are moving upon the state, President - Elect Barack Obama.
References:
Bennis, W., and Nanus B. (1985). Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge. New York: Harper and Row.
References:
Bennis, W., and Nanus B. (1985). Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge. New York: Harper and Row.
Marques, J. A . (2006, Aug) . AWAKENED LEADERSHIP: ANCIENT PRACTICE GOING HIP. Performance Improvement . 45.(7). pg.35
van Wart, M (2003, March/April). Public-Sector Leadership Theory: An Assessment. Public Administration Review. 63 (2). p214-228
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