I was intrigued by Dave Crisp's response to John Walker's comments on
"leadership can be taught." I did not read the original posting, and may
be speaking out of context. But I was curious about the specifics of how
and what Dave is "teaching" with the store managers. The reason for my
curiosity is that our doctoral cohort has been discussing the issue of
leadership for about two years now and have not come to a firm consensus
as to whether or not "leadership" can or should be "taught" or if anyone
can or should be a leader.
The gist of the argument in one direction is that leadership implies
followership. It is a governance system, a patriarchy we have inherited
and continue to create based on sovereignty and a form of intimate
colonialism. The strength in the concept of leadership as Peter Block
explains is that it connotes initiative and responsibility. Good friends
in hard times. It carries the baggage, however, of being inevitably
associated with behaviors of control, direction, and knowing what is best
for others.
Our cohort is split on the issue. I am of the camp who feels that
strong leadership does not have within itself the capability to create the
fundamental changes organizations require today or in the future. Our
search for strong leadership in others expresses a desire for others to
assume the ownership and responsibility for our group, our organization,
our society. The effect is to localize power, purpose, and privilege in
the one we call leader.
The term "leadership" really didn't "emerge" until the 1980's.
Leadership is defined as a necessity by all organizations and we expect
leaders to choose service over self-interest, but we are reluctant to let
go of the belief that if I am to care for something or someone, I must
control it. Therein lies the crux - partnership or patriarchy.
Needless to say our conversations on the topic have been stimulating.
That's why I would be interested in the "whats" and "hows" of Dave's
program. What "values" are being taught? Skills? Are only the managers
taught to be leaders? Enlighten me. Or is it true:
Few men desire liberty; most men wish only for a just master.
(Sallust, 86-34 B.C.)
--
Pete
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__(*)/' (*)_______________________________________________
| |
| Peter L. Heineman, Manager of Contract Training |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha |
| College of Continuing Studies |
| 1313 Farnam Street |
| Omaha, NE 68182-0335 |
| (402) 595-2340 FAX (402) 595-2345 |
| Internet: pheineman@unomaha.edu |
|_________________________________________________________|
You will become as small as your
controlling desire; or as great as your
dominant aspiration.
James Allen