Leadership

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer relates that, according to Warren Bennis and Joan Goldsmith in their general text on organizational leadership entitled, 'Learning to Lead: A Workbook on Becoming a Leader', the key to good leadership is setting a goal. The writer notes that this first, foundational step is the most important part of the leadership process. A leader must have a vision for his or her organization that is clearly defined, measurable, and realistic. The writer points out that the authors believe that there has been a high a turnover of leaders in major organizations because of an inability to set goals that revitalize the attitudes of the lower ranks of workers. Instead there is too much of a stress upon management, or the day-to-day minutiae of the organization. The writer concludes that if people do not feel inspired to give a hundred percent to the more mundane aspects of working life, managerial tinkering will ultimately prove ineffective.

Outline:
Developing a Vision
Articulating a Vision
Implementing a vision
Stewarding a vision
Involving the community with the vision

From the Paper:

"The vision should also be attractive and attainable in the eyes of all of the involved parties in the organization. It is not enough that the leader comprehends the organization's vision. The persons involved in realizing that vision should understand that vision as well. For example, teachers must also understand why the goals are so important to the overall mission of the school, so they feel motivated to incorporate this vision of inclusiveness into their own approach to learning. This is another reason why setting clearly defined goals that are measurable is so important, because adjectives not substantiated by facts, statistics, or concrete terms may have different meanings and values to different people and players within the organization. Different organizational players should feel personally motivated to act in service of the vision rather than feel forced to do so by an outside authority."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ackerman, Richard & Gordon Donaldson Jr., Rebecca van der Bogert. (1995). Making Sense as a School Leader: Persisting Questions, Creative Opportunities. New York: Jossey Bass.
• Bennis, Warren & Joan Goldsmith. (1989) Learning to Lead: A Workbook on Becoming a Leader. Third Edition. New York: Basic Books

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