I often observe people complaining their leader/manager/supervisor does not meet their expectations.

I hear, “ Whats my purpose?, Whats our strategy? How can I perform well if you don’t spoon feed me.  You seriously expect us to think for ourselves?”

The Leader Within

Typically most folks don’t embrace my advice, that is “Be the leader you want to be!”.  The concept of top down leadership and a hierarchical structure that rolls up to a single power base just does not resonate with me.

Classic management theory is based on leadership from the top.  Success depends on the quality of the leadership.  I don’t subscribe to this thinking.

This practice has a single point of failure and relies on the exercise of granted power over the more powerfull and sustainable use of earned power (although it is harder).

Collaboration

High quality, effective and low cost results are far more likely to be achieved when the knowlege skills and capabilities of a group of individuals are integrated seemlessly.

No one is in charge alone, all are in charge collectively.  Idealism you say.  I have practicle experience demonstrating it can be done.  Agreed though, it is not easy and does not happen naturally.

Much effort is required.  The key to this approach is buy-in from all participants.  Someone with strong leadership capabilities can act as a catylst to get all to agree.

However, it is important they do not take overall charge and employ granted power versus earned.  Creation of a high performing team of independent collaboraters is not simple but the results are well worth the effort.