Leadership is a Choice, Not a Position

“…leadership is a choice, not a position.”

that potent quote is from the book The 8th Habit. i think habit #8 is one of the most integral ways of viewing the practice of leadership. for what it's worth, this book has lots of diagrams ;) here's a relevant link on this topic.

Red ~C Diary: The 8th Habit

Re: Leadership is a Choice, Not a Position

When Covey states this, he is using leadership to mean something an individual does. I personally think there are more useful ways to approach the subject. In any case, Chris Argyris points out some of the problems with the prescriptive approaches by writers on management (and leadership) such a Covey in his book, Flawed Advice and the Management Trap. I think it is a must read for those interested in the subject of leadership.

Russ

Re: Leadership is a Choice, Not a Position

“When Covey states this, he is using leadership to mean something an individual does”

yep. Stephen Covey's model of leadership is partial to the individual most of the time. then again, his target audience are individuals. Covey's model is not as comprehensive as AQAL, but it is simple and helpful enough to understand meaning, purpose, and developing character from the inside-out. when it comes to leadership, i prefer to focus on the strengths of Covey's model rather than its lack.

but i'm addiing Flawed Advice and the Management Trap to my reading list. so i can benefit from both worlds :)