The standard view of this forum does not always work well with assistive technology. We also provide a simpler view, which still contains all features. Switch to simple view.

Clare Reeve Post 1

22 September 2019, 5:30 PM

Week 1 Activity 3

I like the definition of leadership offered; it reflects much of my own experience working with good leaders and articulates well the combination of collaboration, political practices that are so necessary.  Although I haven't heard leadership described in the way before, all of the strands resonate with me and I can see how the right balance of all the eight elements will ensure leadership success.

I also believe that some words and phrases, often associated with leadership, have become over-used, such as vision, influence and buy-in, and it is refreshing to read a new definition.  

Whilst I would have used the word 'vision' before when describing a great leader, I now feel that the leader does not have to be the initiator of the vision, but can translate the required deliverable to be developed through collaboration and participation, rather than in isolation.

Fidele Mutwarasibo Post 2 in reply to 1

22 September 2019, 8:28 PM

Clare, your comments reminded me of the need to look at leadership in a more holistic way. 

There is tendency to link leadership to rank. I agree with on the need yo look at leadership more broadly and acknowledge that leadership can be initiated by people with lower ranks in the organisation. The role of the leader in this case is to support and harness leadership across the organisation. 

Marilyn David Post 3 in reply to 1

29 September 2019, 10:22 PM

Your description and explanation of a leader is interesting as I suspect many individuals would expect the leader to be the initiator of vision, this is the way it may have been presented in certain previously especially within some professions. 

Clare Reeve Post 4 in reply to 3

5 October 2019, 1:33 PM

I agree Marilyn - I think we have looked to our leaders for the vision, not necessarily to the CEO for organisational vision, but sometimes the functional director for clarity on the vision for that service/operational area.  As a leadership team, we need to work on developing the vision between us so we are all clear and completely on board  (easier said than done!)

Steven Walker Post 5 in reply to 1

20 October 2019, 8:41 PM

Hi Clare, I agree with the majority of what you've posted. The definition of leadership given is a great one and very difficult to find fault with. I would however in my opinion expect the leader to have the 'vision', if they are only implementing or realising one of their teams vision then to me they are the management, and the person with the vision should be the leader.