Doug writes
>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.
I am curious as to how leadership traits can come naturally. I have seen
very few people move into leadership job IMHO (or a few I've known about
in other organizations) and change to any great extent. I pose that
leadership traits do not come naturally just because a person gets put
into the position.
Earlier comments I made on some of these traits being tacit, instead of
explicit in nature, suggests that leadership needs to be apprenticed just
as we do for electricians, welders, etc. Leadership traits are supposedly
made explicit in writings, workshops, videos, etc. However, without
constant vigilance by an experienced sidekick (a journeyman leader), I do
not believe people will change much when thrust into leadership positions.
These traits do not come to a person over time.
Chris Argyris' studies suggest "fancy footwork" in fact enables us to
avoid ever having to confront not having these traits as leaders. We can
simply say the words and not allow the lack of appropriate behavior
described by the words to be discussed. (Organizational defensive
routines)
Also, I am working very hard at getting MHO to be a learning organization.
My sense of this environment is that I won't have to teach politics.
(Hopefully) the correct political posturing for such an organization will
be to "not politically posture".
-- Dave Buffenbarger (517) 638-7080 TQM Consultant Dow Chemical Company dwbuff@aol.com