Jason said:
>Whoa!! Let's unpack that, soldier (reference to your .mil
>domain). Are you actually saying that there are people for whom
>leadership is not possible?
It's been a few years since I've been a soldier, but I'll unpack it! At
the risk of sounding most "undemocractic," yes, there are some people for
whom leadership is not possible. I've met many who lack personal
self-control, exert too much control and don't have emotional or cognitive
intelligence. Some characteristics may be "grown" but you've got to have
something to start with. Can't grow the cognitive stuff.
I subscribe to the Eliot Jaques school of thought on this one. He links
his concepts to "time span of control" and mental processing capabilities.
(I'd add some personality determinants as well.)
You and I might both want to be the next Michael Jordan--the reality is
that there are some basic physiological things that will inhibit me on
this one. Try and try as I might, I do not have the unique "blend" of
stuff that make him have the talents that he has. Desire and practice
alone just don't cut it.
Take a look at some of Jaques' works: The Requisite Organization, Jaques
and Cason's Human Capability, Jaques & Clement, Executive Leadership. Can
order from Cason Hall & Co. It's pretty controversial because it is
somewhat deterministic. So's life.
Sandy
P.S. I'm digging out my copies of the books so I can refresh myself!!!
--"Sandy Wells" <sjwells@earthlink.net>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>