Gaia Community

Re: WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?

Mike said May 10, 2007, 1:18 AM:

A few years back when I managed a small staff of 5 people we had a little party in which I made up some fun awards for everyone, in turn one of my staffers bestowed on me from the group the “Best Manager Without Being Present to Manage Award”.

It was kind of for fun, but also they were being truthful in the fact that I did not get in their way and I let them do their job. I was there to give them advice and support and provide goals for them, but I always wanted them to stretch themselves and also know that I believed they could handle anything that came there way.

I guess I feel this is vital to being a leader. You need to respect the people you lead, give them goals and responsibility, encourage them, reward them and most importantly get out of their way and let them do the work they are good at!

I also always work hard when I am leading somethone at giving them credit and recognizing them, even for the little things and sometimes especially the little things that can make such a big difference.

Leaders also need to be innovative and take chances at new ideas and let people contribute to those ideas or I should say their should be candor in your environment. Listen to your people and let them contribute…don't criticize them for having an idea and don't shut the doors to new ideas…it can cripple a business for many years.

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leadership and management

mm [no longer around] said May 10, 2007, 2:14 AM:

youre right.
“Best Manager Without Being Present to Manage”, thats a good one :)

although i think there is a difference between a leader and a manager;

a manager is there to help and assure that certain pre-defined goals are achieved or reached by “his” people, himself included, and he is usually placed in that position by someone above him (and much more above his group) instead of by a decision by his group. And at the end of the day, he holds complete responsability for the results.

while a leader is there to help the people he “leads” find out what their goals are. he is chosen by them in a natural way, maybe even unnoticed. Usually the best characteristic of a leader is that he Never contradicts himself, thats when people really begin to place their trust on him/her. And the only responsability he has is not to betray them or sell them out.

mho

cheers :)

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Re: leadership and management

Mike said May 10, 2007, 7:45 AM:

very good! i do find as i contradict myself less that i get more respect from other leaders. thnx for the feedback.

mike

Re: leadership and management

mm [no longer around] said May 10, 2007, 10:07 AM:

Youre welcome!
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Re: leadership and management

~KES said May 17, 2007, 12:33 AM:

simply awesome boh of you. Just from reading both threads I was enlightened to the leadership in both of you creating a new path for all. I love the way you expressed this in words and motivates me to lead as well. It's been a learning curve for me as I was born and raised not to lead. I see from this its good to follow and lead.

When I left this pod for a bit i had to go fight a battle and did follow the lead at first then carried the torch to help others; but from the leader I chose last week, everything worked out fine. I can take off my shark suit and breath again with my Zaadz buddies.

In all great leaders there is a purpose and intensity which is unmistakable. Plus there is a certain amount of courage required in a leader.

I want to learn to lead better.
Kathy

Leaders and lead on the board

mm [no longer around] said May 17, 2007, 3:34 PM:

Thanks, its good that you are back :)

Another thing that can be added is that usually leaders are born out of circumstances. Real leaders and lead (not just playing the role) are naturally placed in their positions when something needs to be done, provided that in the group all care for each other. The leader doesn't see himself any different from the others, and vice versa.

I think when the leader and lead Choose their positions (and i think current democratic processes today fall in this category) its because they both are looking for personal gain, and not a common benefit or a solution to a problem. Usually the leader seeks power and the lead comfort. Still, circumstances again play a strong role…

Imo when one condition is intended to change into a different one, and more so when the original has prevailed for a long time, there are 2 ways to do it: the first is to destroy the first one and then clean up the mess until the goal is achieved. The second one is to patiently make small and then larger changes, putting pressure without breaking.

Both arrive at the same place, require the same amount of energy, and have the same amount of hardships, sorrow, hope and happiness throughout the process. Which option is taken i guess depends on the general average Character of the group, and Luck. Take care! (you have a shark suit?! cool)