Lead-HER-Ship

Archive for August, 2011

Four well-known, academic thinkers and writers on leadership recently released a new book, “Exploring Leadership” (Oxford University Press).

Although the book leaves many question unanswered and tends to get stuck in academic debates, I find myself intrigued by the authors insistence that leadership is a “social process”.

By their definition, leadership exists in the interactions between the leader and those who look to her/him for leadership. Specifically, rather than a command-and-control style, the social process view requires leaders who are “prepared to ask questions and involve others in determining what to do rather than offering an immediate solution or decisive action.”

In today’s complex, multi-dimensional world, gathering data through listening to others with different viewpoints appears to be a definite requisite for successful leadership—precisely what these authors maintain.  And yet, what we see on so many fronts are leaders (both corporate as well as political), listening only to people who share their worldview.  It is rather like the tobacco industry that is only interested in supporting research to prove tobacco is not a deadly killer while other research provides alternative (and safe) uses for the plant.

Can we afford such leaders? I would suggest that such people are not really leaders but rather mimes reflecting a pre-determined course of action.

Your thoughts?

Saturday, 18 women gathered at a home perched atop a hill in rural San Diego County.  Hawks soared above the boulders, and distant Palomar Mountain crouched in the hazy distance. In Her Own Voice™ retreat began with the soothing voice of Shaina Noll singing, “Where I sit is Holy.”

And indeed, it was a day to be holy and whole. Strangers became friends and friendships became deeper. We led them on a process of reflection, journaling, and  dialogue.  They were a gift to us in their openness, their curiosity, and their willingness to flow together throughout the day.  Amazing to find 18 business women eager to leave behind the demands of home and work and gather.

In the end, I realized that the misspelled text from my colleague Eunice actually foreshadowed the day’s result.   She had texted me, asking that I pick up three bags of life. Now, we all have made errors on our smart phones. Whatever did she want: lice, like, lime????  Turns out, she wanted three bags of ice!

She got the ice. And we all walked away with three bags of life: our one, sweet precious life that is called to make its unique contribution in the world.

A lovely day.

Dateline: Intercontinental Hotel, Downtown Miami. Hot August

Thunderstorms were rolling across Biscayne Bay when my taxi pulled partially under the portico.  The driver popped open the trunk and a grinning bellman ran to the rear of the car. He motioned to the driver to move forward.

“I didn’t want you to get wet, Ms. Eileen,” grinned the bellman as he helped me out of the car.

“You read my luggage tag,” I exclaimed as her grinned back.  How smart, I thought. At least he didn’t attempt to pronounce my crazy last name!

“Do you have your cell phone with you?”, he asked as he escorted me up the stairs.

I fumbled for it, thinking he was going to give me some new-fangled way to check in.

“Oh no,” he laughed. “It’s just that so any guests hop out of cabs and leave their phone behind. I make sure and note the taxi number in case you forgot it.”

Meet Bill Castillo, my new friend for the next 2 days. Every time I walk out of  the hotel, Bill spies me and comes running over to greet “Ms. Eileen.”

Now—keep in mind that I travel with a roll-a-board suitcase. There is nothing for him to help me with. No huge suitcases. No cartons of books. There’s no financial gain for him. But, he assumed a leadership role for his front-of-the-hotel position. Great leaders know they create the environment. Great leaders know that calling someone by name—with welcome and sincerity—is a powerful, yet simple gesture.

On a day when the stock market fell over 600 points and Congress can only respond with divisive name-calling, Bill Castillo called my name and added  a touch of cheer to my day.

P.S. He will get a tip—regardless.