According to Denning (2011), there are specific
elements that make a leader effective in their role. These elements include the following three
dimensions:
·
“The interactive leader works with the
world rather than against it.”
·
“Interactive leadership builds on personal
integrity”
·
“Interactive leadership doesn’t depend on
the possession of hierarchical authority.” (p. 286)
When reflecting on the many leaders I have come to
know both personally and professionally, I feel Denning really put a
significant amount of thought into his statements about leadership. A leader is not someone that has a title or a
position of authority. A leader is more about personality qualities and the
ability to relate to others in a way that motivates them to achieve greater
heights in their shared vision.
Knowing that I am a leader already is simultaneously exciting
and overwhelming. I am reminded daily of
the wisdom in the words, “To whom much is given, much is required.” (Luke
12:48). It is a great feeling to know
that your words and actions help inspire others but it is also a reminder that
your words and actions have a greater impact on others and thoughts, feelings,
statements and deeds need to be completed with others in mind, regardless of
the setting.
When Denning (2011) clarifies that a leader works in
harmony with the surrounding community.
As a leader in the community of persons with disabilities, I know that I
have the power to create a divide with those that are responsible for enforcing
Americans with Disabilities Act legislation or I can come alongside and
motivate them to make positive changes.
So many leaders in the disabled population have decided to go the route
of law suits and legal battles to make changes.
While there is definitely a time and place for legal action, how much
more effective to create longstanding positive bonds to not only get the
current item resolved peacefully and without the additional charges of legal
fees in order to have these resources readily available for the next item that
comes across the shared table of creating positive changes.
Integrity is something I have been taught since childhood. In fact, my high school motto was “Loyalty,
Integrity and Dignity.” We were to hold
ourselves to the highest standards of moral aptitude when making decisions even
as teenagers. Those lessons stuck with
me and I was reinforced even then at how others gravitate toward those that
speak truth from a heart that is not seeking anything but a common good. Maintaining integrity is no easy task. It is a daily exercise to ensure your thoughts
are guarded against selfishness and your actions reflect accordingly. The struggle I have had in the past is
maintaining a high level of integrity for years and then slipping in what may
seem to be a small way but knowing that will have a significant impact on those
that have looked to me for leadership in their lives. For example, at the upcoming Ms. Wheelchair
America competition, there will be a night that involves painting and drinking
wine, which to many may an enticing fun experience. While that may be so, I have to remember that there are girls that are creating an image in their mind of me as a leader while still at a stage of seeing me as a princess. I have rarely seen Disney princesses surrounded by half consumed wine glasses. Doing some forward thinking, I can easily see a picture posted to social media that would include the drinking of wine and I have to keep these inaccuracies in the image of integrity that could easily be skewed and bring down the powerful message I am attempting to share. The clime to a position of leadership is very difficult and full of obstacles, but it is a
quick and slippery slope back down if a leader is not careful. I believe
I will be contacting the coordinator of the event and request we choose to
not include alcohol during the competition events, explaining the rationale.
Finally, Denning (2011) explains that an interactive
leader is not necessarily one appointed into a position or authority as
reflected in an organizational chart, but rather a leader can be made at the
same level of peers. Schultz (2013)
reinforces this with the finding that a leader “is able to interact with people
at all levels and is not overly concerned with his own image or status” (p. 49). A leader does not need to be in an ivory
tower. A leader does not need to be on a
podium. A leader is an individual that
is willing to humbly relate at any level with any person that they are trying
to connect with for the purpose of achieving their shared vision. In my personal experience, I have found that
I am a much better leader when I do not even feel as if my role is one of hierarchical
difference. I am able to focus solely on
the mission rather than the dynamics of leader-follower. In order to carry this same level of dedication
to the team while in hierarchical leadership roles, I have placed significant
effort in ensuring there is an awareness that a position is a position and someone
needs to be in the position, but all members have the opportunity to lead and a
duty to be a leader in order to realize our full potential. I also have found that by equipping those
within the team to build their own leadership skills it positively impacts the
entire team personally and professionally.
Denning, S. (2011). The Leaders Guide
to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative. San
Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
Schultz, J. R. (2013). The elements of leadership.
Global Business and Organizational Excellence, 32(6), 47-54.
doi:10.1002/joe.21514
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