Well, it happened again. I was shocked and amazed in yet another strategic planning meeting. Just when I think 'I have seen it all', I am reminded that I definitely have not - especially when it comes to poor leadership.
An hour and a half into the meeting (at which I was an invited observer, not an actual member of the organization per se), I realized several issues were brought to the table, various options and opportunities discussed, and still -- no clearly defined goals or objectives were identified. HELLO! Why are you here, people?! That's what I wanted to say (SHOUT!) but I just observed quietly (very difficult for me, to say the least).
Sadly, I could sense the frustration in the room and especially from the organizational leadership. The purpose (stated) of the weekly meeting was to get feedback from department heads in order to ensure alignment at all levels of the organization with the organization's strategic intent or purpose. Strangely, I had the distinct feeling that half the room has no CLUE as to the Leader's vision and seriously doubt many could articulate succinctly the organization's actual mission or purpose. Certainly, they might provide a generic sort of mission statement - perhaps something they read on a poster or newsletter at some point in time; but to 'know' the organization Purpose in a sense that they each might 'own' it - highly doubtful considering all the 'floundering' around and no real decision making. I can't count the number of times someone asked "Did we decide anything on that?" or "So what did we decide?" WHAT?!
This was very disconcerting to me - especially since the organization's stated mission is to change the world by meeting the spiritual needs of broken people.
You want to change the world, Leader? Start by ensuring a clear, concise, inspiring and SHARED vision. If your constituents don't know EXACTLY why the organization exists, who the customer is, or what need they are expending their valuable lives and talents in order to meet, then they will most certainly NEVER commit fully to the organization - or to you. Hard truth - but must be said.
This is your FIRST and GREATEST challenge as a Leader. If your organization is to be effective, you must develop the competency to create a SHARED VISION. Otherwise, you are just another well-meaning leader in a well-meaning organization -- doomed for mediocrity in the most competitive global marketplace in all of human history. Resources are plentiful for your leadership development in this area. Don't delay. You will not get a second chance in this market.
Bottom line: I am pleading with you, Leader! I can't sit (sleep) through another meeting meant to plan a FUTURE with a Leader incapable of leading TODAY.
Mostly, I blog philosophical musings on life & leadership, based on 30 yrs organizational leadership experience, 28 yrs (and counting :)) in a parent-leader role, and an undisclosed number (HA!) of years development my own self-leadership - all rooted in a deeply spiritual desire to be better, and to leave this world better than I found it.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Self-Awareness and Leader Effectiveness
What is self-awareness?
According to Goleman and other leadership & organizational development theorists it involves the ability:
- to 'locate' ones self in relationship to all others and all other things;
- to determine (discern) the 'reality' of the relationship (current reality, culturally expected reality (norms), and the desired reality (self-determined, moral, ethical, rightly-related reality/relationship);
- to discern the emotional, psychological 'reality' of others (EI, SI).
I Remember
The Sacrifice
On somber ground a flower grows
Stirred by winds, a spangled banner blows
Across the valley as our freedom waves
Above their sleeping, silent graves.
O'er this scene a bugle's sound
Now dedicates this hallowed ground.
Reverence now this sacred sod
And words that flow from throne of God,
"Rest safely in your guarded lands
Hold child and loved ones in your hands
The blood is shed, the enemies flee
But freedom never will be - 'free'"
Gracie O. Dunavent & Mary Angeline Ross (c) May 26, 2008
In Honor of Memorial Day, 2008 and in honor and memory of those who have paid for with their very lives the freedoms we yet live to enjoy.
I will always remember.
Dark Sides of Leadership & Loyalty
Check out this SlideShare Presentation exploring the relationship between Narcissism in Leadership and Organizational Codependency by Lit Review (c) Mary A Ross May 2008
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
No Right or Wrong Answer
Have you ever been ask one of those theoretical-type questions and as the respondent told , 'don't worry; there is no right or wrong answer'? This can be a scary proposition - to feel as though you are being tested yet without any real (stated, explicit) metric by which to gauge the appropriateness of your response.
In Real-Life Leadership, this happens more often than one might realize. A wise leader understands that one's response in these situations may not be immediately 'graded' it will with absolutely certainty be 'judged' according to its outcomes. A right or wrong answer is not what is sought; it is the deeper understanding of the true character of the respondent that is revealed and judged.
Authentic leadership is an inside-out job. The work begins with the development of deeply-held values and principles from which all decisions are made - all responses are given. Know thyself in order to lead thyself - and others - with integrity.
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