> Doc, do you see how the leadership that occurs at all levels interacts
> with the leadership (context-setting or vision) of the owner, and
> interacts with the hierarchy? Do you see how leadership interacts with
> management? To me, this is not a true partnership of equals, even though
> I agree that "partnering" in some sense between the owner and others is
> essential. Does it make sense to you?
Rol--this was a most interesting posting; I admit that I'm still digesting
it. I agree with much that you said, and the little that didn't quite
feel right to me is inconsequential enough that I barely feel compelled to
mention it. I don't believe that the owner owns the vision any more --
but she certainly has the responsibility for stewardship (for lack of a
better word) for that vision.
But, as you said, it is the relationship among each of the stakeholders
and their relationship to the purpose and through it to one another that
creates the tension around which business activity revolves. In the case
of a conflict--a difference in interpretation of the vision and meaning of
the purpose--the "high priest" of purpose must speak. Owners can lose
touch with their own sense of vision and purpose (destructively so) . . .
and it must be inculcated into the culture by telling and retelling the
stories over and over again, by using the symbols and metaphors that keep
the people tuned into the culture, the purpose, the vision.
The fact is that this can happen (and does) in a hierarchy--but that
doesn't mean that it has too, does it. We are simply describing what has
been. Can you think of times (even in businesses) where there was no
hierarchy--but there was leadership, and purpose, and decisions and
business activities?
Yet, I know that one person can manifest good management skills; they can
facilitate, conduct operations, council and mentor, punish and recognize
(reward), and articulate the purpose in such a way that everyone knows who
the leader in this organization is (without regard to specific position).
As I'm writing here, so many memories from my years of military service
dredged up. I don't like to recount those so much here, as I suspect that
they become quite boring and irrelevant (both to those with similar
experience -- and for those who have no idea what military anecdotes are
about). Perhaps others in this circle can think of personal anecdotes,
though, that can illustrate what you and I have spoken about here. Thanks
again--I hope to hear other voices in this dialog.
Walk in peace!
Doc
-- "What concerns me is not the way things are, but rather the way people think things are." -EpictetusThresholds--developing critical skills for living organizations Richard C. "Doc" Holloway Olympia, WA ICQ# 10849650 Please visit our new website, still at <http://www.thresholds.com/> <mailto:learnshops@thresholds.com>
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