AN INSIGHT FROM OB

Notwithstanding the experiences I described last week that have led to some cynicism regarding HR programs, some of the readings that I had for my OB class this week were somewhat encouraging.  One in particular, in describing the difference between leadership and management, stated that "Everyone has the ability to seize opportunities to lead others to greatness".  It rightly suggests that we shouldn't look for our leaders to arrive on a white horse with all the answers.  That there isn't just one person in a group, organization, company, etc that leads while all others follow.  Leadership occurs - or should occur - at every level.  We are all looking to connect with a vision and to be encouraged to find how to utilize our gifts to help realize that vision.  To that end, all of us can either create or become a part of a vision and lead others through our positive emotional connection to that vision.  But, leading others isn't telling others what to do.  It's getting them connected to the vision by understanding what their needs are and helping them see how their needs and the vision are in alignment and helping them understand the unique role that they can play in seeing the vision become reality.  This probably seems like common sense.  If it is, I would think I'd see more examples of it being implemented effectively.