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« Letters from Leaders: Advice for Tomorrow's Leaders | Leading Blog Main Page | The Rest of What You Need to Know About Strengths-Based Development » 07.09.09
The Natural Authority that Comes From Being AuthenticA thoughtful framework from which to view leadership was revealed in an interview and presented in Leading for Success by Andrew and Nada Kakabadse and Linda Lee-Davies. Sr. Judith Zoebelein, a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist, makes a clear statement about the dynamics of authentic leadership. It also underscores the fact that no one can or should be the “leader” all the time. She states:I do believe that everybody has authority. Living in communities you really come to recognize the gifts and the leadership of each person in different areas. That person may not be the superior and in charge of the house, but if for example, I need someone to come out and help feed goats, I know exactly who I am going to ask, because that Sister has a giftedness with animals. She has the knowledge and intuitive sense about animals that perhaps I don’t have. We call this “authority,” an authority that is authoring life, opening up a new awareness in others. When I work with her, I gain a lot; understand through her something new which is not natively mine to understand.
Posted by Michael McKinney at 11:03 PM
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Comments
I love the title of the post and the idea behind it -- that God gives us the ability to develop gifts and talents that are recognized by others, but I can't completely agree that everyone has authority. Maybe that works inside a monastery, but it's not the real world I see every day. Again, I agree with the concept and think it applies in a lot of settings, but not always like she states.
Posted by: R J Hall | July 10, 2009 03:20 AM
I believe the author is making a very significant point. Everyone demonstrates qualities of leadership. Often, we miss it. If you look carefully it will show itself in uncanny ways everywhere. You'd be surprised how many people are leaders in their own private communities, ie) at church etc. Show me a parent and I will show you a real leader that many in corporate america could learn about responsibility and commitment. The point is that real authority comes out when individuals utilize their inherent talents. We need to recognize it and encourage it because it is a success-multiplier.
Posted by: Matthew Laos | July 11, 2009 02:54 AM
This post is great, the idea that all people have a natural talent is worth considering and looking for in each person. We may find that not all people’s natural talents are useful, everyday at work. However, as a leader it makes you realize that we should look at our employees specific strengths when assigning work, if we assign work bases on people’s natural talents, morale and business performance should improve.
Posted by: Ian Pratt | July 13, 2009 04:31 AM
A clear and powerful vision leads the leader. A great leader establishes a firm mental attachment to the ‘possibility of what might be’ and sinks his or her heart and soul into realizing it. Having a clear vision ‘points the way’ to where a team, a department, or a company will be progressing in the future.
You can read more about being a visionary leader in my article on my website here:
http://leaderskillstraining.com/categories_leadership_challenges_article.htm
Thanks.
Posted by: Anthony P. | July 13, 2009 06:37 AM
I loved this post. I, too, believe that we're put here to give our gifts. I think we feel fulfilled when we do that. So, for me, seeking fulfillment is pointing us in the direction of our gifts, even if we can't articulate them. It's a shame most of our organizations pay so little attention to fulfillment. All those gifts ignored...
Posted by: Bob Lieberman | July 13, 2009 04:57 PM