Skip to main content

Why We Need INCLUSIONARY Leadership



Why does it seem, so few individuals in positions of leadership, heed the advice of the adage, Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer? Why do so many fall into the trap, of surrounding themselves, solely with individuals who agree with them, have supported them in the past (even when they should not have), or appear to fit neatly into the yes - man category? What sense does it make, to rely upon the adversarial approach, when nearly every study, and/ or expert, clearly states the benefits, effectiveness and efficiencies of cooperation, etc? In today's ever - more polarizing, anxious, adversarial society, a true leader must understand, realize and utilize INCLUSIONARY leadership!

1. Integrate; imagine; inquire:

Only a fool uses the My way of the highway approach to leadership, yet I have come to realize, in my four decades of identifying, qualifying, training, developing and consulting to thousands of actual and/ or potential leaders, there seem to be a Ship of Fools! Quality, effective leadership, comes about, when the leader thinks outside - the - box, and seeks to integrate quality ideas, thoughts, plans and programs, from wherever they might arise! One must imagine what might, could and should be, rather than dwelling on the negatives, and perceived problems. There must be no place for blaming and complaining, in a leader's arsenal! Realize you don't know it all, or have all the solutions, and inquire from both past supporters, as well as adversaries, in order to garner as much information, ideas, and input, as possible!

2. Needs:

One's focus and emphasis must be on both actual, as well as perceived needs, concerns and priorities, and the only way, a real leader might learn of these, is to include everyone in the discussions!

3. Character; cooperative; clarity; consensus:

The best way to pre - judge and evaluate whether someone will be a great leader, is to look deeply into their character (as opposed to rhetoric)! Quality leaders stress cooperation over adversarial, and seek as much clarity, and perspective, as possible. Sustainable, meaningful growth and relevance, comes about when one seeks a meeting of the minds, so there is some sort of consensus, for the common good!

4. Listen; learn:

Use your two ears far more than your one mouth! Listen carefully, and learn what others seek, from their perspective!

5. Useful; usable:

All the rhetoric and vitriol, in the world, generally achieves little of consequence, in the long - term! Rather, a true leader must seek useful plans, programs, and ideas, which others will buy into, and therefore, every plan should be a usable one!

6. Strengthening; sustainable system:

When one excludes, rather than includes, he alienates large segments of his constituents! Include both supporters and dissenters in your discussions and plans, and focus on ways to strengthen the group! A real leader realizes he must create, develop and implement a meaningful, relevant, sustainable system, which will positively project the organization, into the future!

7. Ideas; ideals; integrity:

Stop the reliance on empty rhetoric! A candidate must become a statesman, once elected, or he'll never be a viable, meaningful leader! One's focus must be on quality ideas, which align with the ideals of the group, and every effort must proceed, with absolute integrity!

8. Options; opportunities:

There's more than one way to get positive results! A leader must proceed with an open - mind, considering options, and seeking the best opportunities, for the organization (and not merely his personal agenda)!

9. Niche:

Know your group, and focus, with niche leadership!

10. Attitude; attention; ask:

True leaders always proceed, with a positive, can - do attitude, thus motivating others, to care and do more! Pay attention to the bigger picture, and all stakeholders, not simply those who agree with you! Remember, once elected, you serve all your constituents, not just supporters! Ask relevant, meaningful questions, so you can perceive, beyond your personal opinion, or comfort zone!

11. Reachable; rational; rationale; reasonable:

Make an open - door policy, far more than a mere prop! Be a truly, reachable leader, who is willing to explain his rationale, in a calm, rational manner. Remember, to communicate effectively, others must perceive you, as being reasonable and inclusionary!

12. Yes; you:

Avoid the tendency of believing, To the victor, goes the spoils, and do not surround yourself with yes - men! You must be willing and open to change, but not merely for punitive, or change - sake! Say yes to what's best for the entire group! Avoid blaming and complaining, because, as a leader, it's up to you!
It's perhaps easier to favor only friends and allies, but generally, that's not in the best interests of any organization! Be an INCLUSIONARY leader!

Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, and Director of Development, as well as a consultant. He has professionally run events, consulted to thousands of leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for 4 decades. Rich has written three books and thousands of articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for leadership planning: http://facebook.com/Plan2lead
 
 
 
 

Popular posts from this blog

Kecemburuan semacam ini

Jacey melemparkan cangkir kopi kaca, (Mug Kaca Berinsulasi Dinding Ganda Zwilling), melintasi dapur. Itu menghantam dinding yang baru dicat (Behr, Sweet Coconut Milk, M230), dan hancur menjadi triliunan kepingan. "Inilah yang telah kamu lakukan pada kami!" teriaknya, suaranya berderak karena cemburu, kuku jarinya yang terawat (Orly Cold As Ice - perawatan bernapas + warna) menusuk udara ke arah tumpukan puing-puing kaca. Blayne menundukkan kepalanya, dagu keduanya mengenai dadanya terlebih dahulu. "Maaf, sayang," gumamnya. "Maaf?! Maaf!" Dia mengambil sekotak Wheat Thins dan mengangkatnya di atas kepalanya. "Tolong jangan melempar yang lain!" Blayne memohon, berdiri dari posisi setengah duduk di bangku logam di dapur. Ini adalah bangku yang sangat tidak nyaman (Bangku Meja Grejsi dengan Bingkai Logam), tetapi Jacey menyukai cara logam itu memantulkan sinar matahari di sore hari, jadi itulah yang dia beli. Dia mencondongkan tubuh ke arahnya,...

Thirteenth step

My grandmother attends the church basement on Tuesday evenings. I saw him there among the metal folding chairs and antique coffee pots, his figure trembling under the fluorescent lights that buzzed like dying insects. She wears the same powder blue pullover she was buried in, the one with pearl buttons that catch the light like little moons. Others can't see it, of course. They just feel a sudden chill as they pass by where she is, or smell the ghostly smell of her Shalimar perfume mixing with the smell of burnt coffee that never leaves these rooms. But I see clearly. He's been following me to AA meetings for three months since I got my first white chip after five years of being back in the bottle. "Your grandmother was my godmother in 1985," old Pete told me after tonight's meeting, hands shaking as he poured a seven-pack of Sweet'n Low into his coffee. "Toughest godmother I ever had. She saved my life." "Mine, too," I said, not specif...

A-Z of Corporate Governance Law

Corporate governance law can be seen as the law that states the way a company is regulated and managed. Any student of law must have a clear idea about the corporate governance law. This article provides an insight into the law, along with its importance. Corporate governance law  describes how a company will be managed and governed. This topic is an important one for any student pursuing a degree in law. They may also receive academic papers to write on it. Hence, individuals should be clear about this law. The article aims at clarifying the idea behind the law and why it is important. What exactly is corporate governance law? A business is directed and controlled by the system of corporate governance. It is a process for governing a company, establishing the policies, customs, and laws for all employees, starting from the highest to the lowest levels. It states the distribution of responsibilities and rights among the various participants in a company like the di...