>A successful leader, then, also needs an eye for the big picture. While
>that sounds like the cliche it is, I'm afraid it's also a truism. Unless
>you can discern the broader environment THROUGH which you must lead, you
>may get stuck in a hierarchical labyrinth without the critical ball of
>thread. Am I skirting an issue mired in the concept of politics? Alas,
>perhaps. I think power (politics) is as central to organizational process
>as anything; and we integrate it into our conversations less than other
>facets of LO, because it's so fraught with...with...with what?
I was wondering if the topic of Politics would ever creep into this forum.
It is particularly interesting that it came up under the subject
"Leadership Can Be Taught."
I'm surprised at how little *good* instruction there is in this area,
particularly when it is hard to be an effective leader without
understanding this skill. Many of the other leadership traits can come
naturally (whatever that is): relationships, expertise, passion, vision,
etc. But political skills don't necessarily come naturally, unless one is
inclined to study relationships and organizations for some time.
If one wwanted to help a new leader, this is one topic in which
instruction should be given. As much as this topic gets knocked, it's a
topic in which most people want to learn more.
-- Doug Blair, dblair@ix.netcom.com