| August 2004 Missouri Regional Newsletter p8 |
| Yes, there are people whom Kellerman would call leaders simply because they are skilled and gifted at the techniques of leadership -- former Tyco CEO Dennis Kozlowski, for example -- but I would call people who are good, even perfect, at the techniques of leadership and ignore the essence of leadership technicians, not leaders. They may be masters of communication and persuasion, but they are not exercising leadership. On the other hand, I strongly believe that someone who has less-than-perfect, even deficient skills of leadership, but who has a commitment to improving something for humanity and thus embraces the essence of leadership will exercise leadership in spite of deficiencies. Their commitment to and passion for something progressive -- an improved state -- inspires others to assist with what is required to accomplish the progress they likewise desire.
Ultimately, only historical perspective provides the definitive answer to what is true leadership; after all, many Nazis thought Hitler was inspiring and creating an improved world. We know better. Leadership IS a moral concept. Kellerman's assertions are a call to action for many of us who have become too comfortable with the muddy, undefined state of leadership as a scholarly field. Let the Dialectic begin! [Monika Byrd, August 8, 2004] Questions or Comments about Phi THeta Kappa Leadership Briefs may be directed to Monika Byrd, Director of Leadership Development Programs. We thank http://leadership.ptk.org/news/item1.htm for the above information. If you would enjoy more of these Leadership lessons, please go to http://leadership.ptk.org/leaddev_news.htm find more. |