Replying to LO25383 --
Once again I apologise for such commentary as I have been exceptionally
busy with my thesis and since I share this computer (as I do not have one
anymore), it is hard for me to access it too often.
In response to Harriett Robles after having read Langes response, I would
add a few of my thoughts in light of what is asked and said by the above
named respectively if I may dare.
I personally feel one cannot study non-western leadership theories as
building theories to make business successful is indeed a very western
concept. In most non-western cultures, the philosophical underpinnings of
thousands of years are still strong and thus most roles/vocations/talents
such as Leadership are seen as "natural born" entities and thus are
respected within that framework. Thus they are not considered learned
behaviors .. which to a certain extent is what I think too. You cannot
learn to be a leader. A true leader has it within themselves and you
cannot just document something that is intrinsic to a persons personality.
Sure you can get all the points that made him/her great but you cannot
replicate to the last exactness. One can only learn from their actions and
improve their own persons but not become them for there is a lot more to
leadership than just a prescribed recipe.
A leader never knows that they are a leader. They are just like everyone
else .. doing what they believe in and what comes naturally. We gaze
awestruck because we see what they cannot restrained by their own being.
To lead is like a talent and passion just like a great pianist or singer
has to sing. It brings them satsifaction and fulfils their sense of
purpose and dream when they do what they are doing. Martin L. King for
example did not hae to think "ok I am a leader. This is how I should act,
sleep, eat drink, go about things. He had a dream." that is all it
takes a leader .. a dream .. and the talent for it. Just like a great
musician who is gifted or an academic prodigy.
How does one bottle something deeper than human invention? One cannot!
Leadership .. you either have it or you don't. True leadership is not a
learnt behaviour. It is not even recognised by the person themselves as
leadership but a means to a mission seen in a dream. These people have
taken the initiative to do something about their dreams and plight.
Even an inventor does great work. Why is an inventor not called a leader?
Because he creates something that can be replicated to the last detail ..
thus he is the inventor rather than leader.
A leader gives us nothing tangiable but shows by example of his/her
passion, commitment and results that change is possible against all odds.
Most leaders are ridiculed whilst they are alive or being leaders. Its
only later we realize the great traits they have. Why is that? Because we
simply believe in results and nothing else as a measure of a persons
sanity and success.
Thus the whole idea of theories. Until leadership can be defined as this
theory or that, academics know too well that the essence of basic human
nature to pull through change will go unrecognised or labeled a rebellion
unless its action can be communicated in a way that is acceptable,
reproducible and result oriented. I mean why else would we like leadership
if it were not for its result oriented properties in light of power and
control over others to aid change (good or bad).
Non-western theory .. being of Non-Western origin, I begin to think how
much sense it will make to "my people" if you walked up to them with
this query. More likely to get answers if you asked "what is your
working philosophy or even ethos for a good leader?" That perhaps
transcends all cultures.
Joy Vatsyayann
Bsc Phys.(Hons)(III), BSc Biology (Genetics Major),
PGDip. Management Systems,
Masters in Management Systems (current)
Waikato University
Hamilton
New Zealand
pixie_delite@hotmail.com
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