I think one of the biggest myths about leadership that still needs to be busted is the idea that leaders are those in designated positions of authority. This has been touched on throughout the course in various ways, but knowing how pivotal this idea was in shifting my own understanding, I think it is still something that needs to be actively demonstrated, taught, and continually reinforced if we are to see an emergence of different leadership styles than those of the past.
Before learning more about contemporary leadership models, my understanding of leadership was limited to traditional concepts. I would see books, blogs, LinkedIn posts from CEOs, and shared quotes about leadership that all seemed to be coming from the same types of people and saying the same things. Most often, those with a platform to talk about what leadership means or what makes a good leader still fit the traditional image - usually white, usually male, usually older; often CEOs, politicians, military, entrepreneurs, or others of exceptionally high rank. Coming from people in positions that seemed both unattainable and unappealing as aspirations for me personally, meant that these messages felt over generalized and not applicable to someone of my status or with my goals. I have always aspired to make a difference in the world and have a career that makes a positive impact. But my perception of the path towards that goal was linked with advancing to a leadership position, which I associated with management, status, and authority - and association which has been further reinforced by the nature of those roles for leaders in my field. This narrow definition and its lack of appeal has made me feel limited in options, misguided on what I should be striving for, and less confident in how impactful I could really be.
It was incredibly eye-opening being exposed to more contemporary ideas such as servant leadership, the leader as host, participative leadership, and other models that emphasize things like collaboration, inclusivity, teaching and learning, and fostering environments in which others can thrive. I have certainly seen examples of leaders practicing or embodying similar things in their own lives, including known public figures, people I've known personally, or even fictional characters. But learning about these models has helped me to recall my biggest inspirations, and understand why they made such a lasting impact on me. Finally seeing these qualities celebrated and promoted in a broader organizational context has also helped me to see the potential they can truly have if we continue to celebrate them.
One of this week's videos, Drew Dudley's Everyday Leadership TED talk, really drove this point home in a brief but effective six minutes. He tells a story about a girl who told him of the massive impact he had on her life through one small but meaningful gesture years earlier, one that he did not even remember.(1) This made me recall all of the important people and moments that have shaped my life in the most meaningful ways - family members, friends, teachers, even strangers - almost none of whom were in a position of traditional authority. We must learn to express gratitude towards those who lead in ways that may not even realize, and to recognize the importance of that type of leadership when it happens.
Sources:
1. Dudley, Drew. “Everyday Leadership.” TED. Accessed April 25, 2021. https://www.ted.com/talks/drew_dudley_everyday_leadership?language=en.