Oy.
That title makes even me want to gag.
But really- It makes sense with the topic of the post: Leadership is everyone's business.
The new school of thought on leadership seems to take an unrelenting stance on this "everyone is capable of leadership" and "leaders are made not born". I've bought in. I get it- we all are given natural gifts (or STRENGTHS) and how we use them effectively when working with others allows us to contribute to the process of leadership. Everyone provides something different to add to the group dynamic. As the article on power mentioned: "people... will bypass their manager and their organization's formal hierarchy and structure to seek help from those with the expertise they need." Everyone has the capability of being an expert and everyone has an ability to influence others.
It is important to foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment to ensure that people are able to maximize their skills. As the article states, "The more equal the power distribution is throughout the organization, the higher the performance of the organization". Power shared by all, and involving all, increases productivity.
But that's only one aspect of "leadership is everyone's business". Above- I talked about the idea of EVERYONE and how maximizing the potential and skills of all members of the group maximizes and effort of leadership towards those group goals. But what about BUSINESS? People have an obligation to maximize their potential to contribute to the group, but I believe their "business" is more important.
Accountability is perhaps the most important reason why leadership must be everyone's BUSINESS. The article reads, "what is tolerated, accepted, encouraged, and rewarded determines whether a destructive leaders can survive". By acting as a leader, the group can monitor all of these aspects to ensure that a destructive member will not take the group into the power-corruption cycle. Every member has a responsibility to contribute to a healthy culture that will keep all members accountable. So, while maximizing their potential is important, more important is creating a positive group culture to ensure that their group is not thrown off track.
SO. Everyone get your tickets ready- because everyone is a valued guest here on the leadership. Because without every single one of you, the experience just wouldn't be the same.
For starters, I personally like your title. Great observation on pointing out that it is more important for individuals to first contribute to the culture of the group and worry about themselves next. This point can often get overlooked, and BOOM: corruption happens because people are busy doing their own thing. Well played Mr. Roth, well played.
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