The Magnetic Leader Ezine, Vol 1.9, 4 June 2010
Hello!
Hello!
After a week of nursing a cold, I am feeling a little better - thanks for all the well-wishes - they really helped me! And thanks to barb who quoted my own advice back to me: "It's no big deal, no small children will die from the re-schedule." A great reminder.
I've been itching to write all week, so I've taken a break from slothing on the couch to connect with you. First I want to share the marvellous Future Leaders of the Wine Industry with you - here is my awesome group that started their 6 month leadership program last week with torrential rain, cold temperatures, and consistent laughter. This is a program I am designing and delivering for the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.
I love this work! Together they are discovering their capacity as leaders as well a the power of collaborative thinking. Stay tuned. Oh, and the wines they share are delicious too :)
Zoe
MAIN ARTICLE: "Who's got the Vision?"
One of the bumph myths about leadership is that the leaders is supposed to have the vision.
Rubbish!
Back in the good ole days perhaps that was true. A charismatic daring leader stepped forth with a fresh and inspiring picture of what was possible. Think Braveheart. Think Joan of Arc. Think Donald Trump.
But respectively they've ended up disembowelled, burned at the stake, and bald.
Do we need hero leaders?
Not really. Not anymore. The world has changed and hero leadership is limited and short sighted.
We need hero leaders for good stories. At least Mel Gibson does!
So if we don't have a hero leader with a bright shiny vision, who's got the vision?
The tribe does.
A leader of the tribe has one singular purpose:
To elicit the common vision that inspires and unites the tribe.
How does a leader do that?
They create the space for conversation and sharing.
How a leader runs their conversations - both individually and as a group - is the secret to tribal success.
By the way, when I say 'tribe' I mean any group: a community, a family, an organisation, a work team, an industry.
Here are a few key tips for creating that sacred space for sharing and magic:
1. Come from a place of love, peace, and respect. And mean it. Be it. Do it. Show it. Love in leadership is an under-rated and under-spoken currency that feeds the soul of the tribe.
2. Don't rush the magic. Gather in a circle where everyone is at the same level, with no physical obstructions between them. Allow silence. Feel the ebbs and flows. Gather ideas without judgment. acknowledge all contributions.
3. Membership is non-negotiable. Everyone who gathers in the tribe has full membership rights and are to be treated equally, regardless if they get up your nose or not.
There are many others - and I invite you to share your thoughts and reflections on leaders creating sacred space for sharing and creating a common vision.
Zoe
RESOURCES
1. The Art of Hosting and Harvesting Conversations That Matter
28-31 July 2010. International co-hort of practitioners invites you to the Australian South Coast to learn how to host new conversations for a better future.
Read more here.
2. Good Vibe University
There are teleclasses, forums, and resources - worth thousands (no joke) for a ridiculously affordable price. I recommend everything Jeannette does - I am sure if you love law of Attraction principles, you will love this too.
Check out the Good Vibe University now!
3. Three Pillars of Personal Power
Don't just take my word for it though - explore for yourself.
Her programs "The Magnetic Leader" and "Magnetic Teams" harness the power of deliberate creation for a more engaged and dynamic workplace: clients achieve goals faster and easier, having a lot more fun.
In her various adventures Zoe has paddled 30 weeks by canoe in northwest Ontario, run 6 marathons, hiked hundreds of kilometres in Australia’s outback, bellydanced at various festivals, lived through cancer, married a fair dinkum Aussie bloke, and wrestled a 6 meter crocodile. It's all true, except for the crocodile part.
I think that the thought of true and authentic leadership is brought to life through conversation is so true. Leaders of old have traditionally held council in circle, where the special features of talking in circle come to the fore and move things along. In circle, we are bringing people together in a special way and there are other ways that that can also be done. It is also important that leaders understand some important things such as the importance of the powerful question, how to deal with chaos (and too much order), that organisations are living systems and so on.
ReplyDeleteAn opportunity to learn and practice all these things together in the one place and at the one time exists. Under resources above, Zoe mentions The Art of Hosting and Harvesting Conversations That Matter. If you are interested in leadership and conversation you will find it of interest. Aart
Hi Aart
ReplyDeleteDealing with chaos is certainly something I'd like more knowledge on! I'm thankful for your contribution here and encourage others who are keen to learn more look up your workshop.
LOVE this, Zoe: "A leader of the tribe has one singular purpose: to elicit the common vision that inspires and unites the tribe."
ReplyDeleteI was living under the outdated definition of leader until reading this post!! Suddenly it all makes more sense an feels SO much better to me! Thank you for this!!
Hi Jeannette
ReplyDeleteA leader can definitely have the original vision - like Bill Gates and his one computer on every desk - but it's what happens with that idea and after that is where real leadership comes from - often someone else's idea while you are the 'leader' is much better - like everything Mac for instance! Imagine a world where there was a Mac on every desk, in every pocket...
But by creating a sacred space to engage the tribe you take the pressure off of having to be the 'hero' with all the answers. Great leaders ask great questions - and the tribe bubbles up with the answers.