Common and Fatal Leadership Mistakes
Posted by Glenn Francis on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 Under: Leadership
I had the privilege of attending as a guest a lecture by Warren Bennis. Anyone who has read anything about leadership and followership should have come across something by this "leadership leader".
At the lecture, he spoke on common and fatal leadership mistakes. I've posted the speech below ... the miracle of Youtube once again at work. Unfortunately for the time-pressed of us, the full lecture is over an hour long, so I'll blurb you on the the key points. I'd like those of you in the know to notice how Bennis weaves ENDURE* style communication throughout the lecture.
1. The Ceasar Problem: Arrogance or Not Listening
Citing examples of leaders like Ceasar (the original), Raines (NY Times) and other notables, Warren disscusses the tendency of successful people over time to stop listening and to start believing in themselves to the exclusion of all other inputs. I've noted this myself at several organizations I've worked with and have done coaching work with executives who have crossed this line (and it's one of the toughest behaviors to turn aound).
2. The Failure of Contextual Intelligence
Drawing on his own experience, Dr. Bennis demonstrates that a leader who doesn't take the time to understand the context and the people populating the context isn't really leading ... he/she is pushing. Sooner or later, those being pushed begin to push back regardless of the good intentions of the person charged with leading. This is a particular thorn in the side of leaders brought in as change agents. They get so wrapped up in the change and where they are going that they forget to keep the best of the past and deal with system homeostasis. I'll write more on this one later, having dealt with it a few times and being guilty of it once (way back when).
3. Detachment of Self
The key to great leadership for Dr. Bennis is the passion brought to the position. There is for him a gulf between those in positions of leadership and true leaders. Anyone with the skills and talent can occupy a position of leadership but followers recognize these people as simply filling a seat. True leaders generate feelings of loyalty and commitent by being passionate, loyal and committed to their organizations. I have commented on this myself in refering to the need for a evolution (devolution?) into a style of leadership ressembling or incorporating elements of tribal leadership. This is another thing I'll write more on in the future in the interest of shortening this post to something manageable in one sitting.
For now, enjoy the speech and come back later for more.
At the lecture, he spoke on common and fatal leadership mistakes. I've posted the speech below ... the miracle of Youtube once again at work. Unfortunately for the time-pressed of us, the full lecture is over an hour long, so I'll blurb you on the the key points. I'd like those of you in the know to notice how Bennis weaves ENDURE* style communication throughout the lecture.
1. The Ceasar Problem: Arrogance or Not Listening
Citing examples of leaders like Ceasar (the original), Raines (NY Times) and other notables, Warren disscusses the tendency of successful people over time to stop listening and to start believing in themselves to the exclusion of all other inputs. I've noted this myself at several organizations I've worked with and have done coaching work with executives who have crossed this line (and it's one of the toughest behaviors to turn aound).
2. The Failure of Contextual Intelligence
Drawing on his own experience, Dr. Bennis demonstrates that a leader who doesn't take the time to understand the context and the people populating the context isn't really leading ... he/she is pushing. Sooner or later, those being pushed begin to push back regardless of the good intentions of the person charged with leading. This is a particular thorn in the side of leaders brought in as change agents. They get so wrapped up in the change and where they are going that they forget to keep the best of the past and deal with system homeostasis. I'll write more on this one later, having dealt with it a few times and being guilty of it once (way back when).
3. Detachment of Self
The key to great leadership for Dr. Bennis is the passion brought to the position. There is for him a gulf between those in positions of leadership and true leaders. Anyone with the skills and talent can occupy a position of leadership but followers recognize these people as simply filling a seat. True leaders generate feelings of loyalty and commitent by being passionate, loyal and committed to their organizations. I have commented on this myself in refering to the need for a evolution (devolution?) into a style of leadership ressembling or incorporating elements of tribal leadership. This is another thing I'll write more on in the future in the interest of shortening this post to something manageable in one sitting.
For now, enjoy the speech and come back later for more.
In : Leadership
Tags: leadership leader mistake errors
