A521.9.4.RB_Reflections on Leadership

Leadership that Participates

“Employing the interactive mode of leadership means engaging the world with a mind-set of active participation rather than detached observation.”

I believe that to be the best leader you have to get out from behind your desk and mingle with the people. Participating with your subordinates shows compassion and that you as their leader understand what it is like to balance life (personal life outside of work) and work (at the office). According to Denning, “when you are trying to connect with the people you lead, distancing is that last thing you need” (Denning 2011). This statement is true in that you people are connected be feelings and when they feel as though you are engaging with them they are more likely to respond positively. I am in the mindset that when I am a leader I will not only be assertive with my employees but I will also be interactive with them. I want to know what is going on and how I can help. Sending emails all day doesn’t help leaders understand what is going on around them. Leaders need to balanced and participation will help to keep them centered and focused.

Leadership that Connects

“So the interactive leader uses a story, and the responsiveness of the audience to the story is contagious.”

Connections are a part of the foundation of being a strong leader. Having the ability to be engaged with your employees is important regardless of a formal meeting or impromptu discussion. I believe if a leader can connect with their employees/subordinates then they are more likely to have a positive response employees will have stronger dedication levels to their work than those who do not have that connection. I plan to make it a point to connect with my employees as much as I can because I want there to be a level of comfort and openness between the roles of leader/manager/supervisor and the employee/subordinate.

Leadership that has Feeling

“Interactive leadership involves passion – another ingredient that is missing from the traditional mode of management.”

Feelings are a tough topic in leadership roles. Many times it is not okay to have feelings while being a leader and then other times feelings are welcomed. According to Denning, “interactive approach to leadership thrives on feelings” (Denning 2011). I feel as though it is important in leadership positions to have a balance between being emotional and not being emotional. You need to be able to show you are human without forgetting what your role is. I plan to engage in leadership that has feeling when it’s appropriate. “Interactive mode of leadership isn’t simple about being emotionally intelligent; it’s about acting with emotional intelligence” (Denning 2011).

Citation

Denning, S. (2011). The Leader's Guide to Storytelling. (2 ed., p. 348). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.