Leading Alone or Through Collaboration
Before I move on from discussing Kevin and Jackie Freiberg book, there is one more area from the book I would like to call to your attention.
Leadership.
According to the Freibergs:
Leadership raises people to a higher level of moral development. At Southwest Airlines there exists a spirit of liberty and freedom that encourages people to use their imagination, express their individuality and exercise leadership. Leadership is based on mutual influence. Leaders both shape and are shaped.
When you examine your skill set or the way you do business, what type of leader do you see in yourself? Are you a "lone leader?" or are you a "collaborative leader?" Most people think of great leaders as those who are heroic, who in a single act create something great, all by themselves. What the Freibergs so eloquently do, is make us stop and examine leadership from the collaborative perspective, just the way that Herb Kelleher does. The Southwest way of leading. As defined collaborative leaders: Leadership is getting people to do what you want them to do because they share your purpose, vision and values. Leaders and collaborators have a commitment to the organization. It is not about compliance. At Southwest Airlines, leaders and collaborators are drawn to a sense of higher commitment about the company because personal agendas are encompassed by a purpose that is deeply held by all parties in the relationship.
Position of Power is not leadership. Organizations that downplay titles and position experience information flowing back and forth between collaborators and leaders. Influences and changes in these types of organizations do not typically come from the executives. It's mutual influence. Leaders influence one another. At Southwest it comes from all directions.
How do you influence? Not sure.... the Freibergs ask us to consider the following~
Walk your Talk - Integrity gives you trust and credibility. Do what you say you are going to do. Follow-through keep your promises. (Never over promise and under deliver).
Focus on the Things You Can Control - Southwest employees make things happen by focusing on things they can control.
Be Prepared- Be well prepared. Do your research.
Sharpen Your Political Skills - According to CEO Kelleher, Politics really means dealing with people. Influence with positive political skills. Build a good solid case for what you are trying to do and then argue with conviction. At Southwest, influence is about building loyalty and trust. Letting their customers know where they stand.
Love People into Action - You've got to care. It is a source of influence.
Listen for More than You Hear - Listening is powerful. It shows genuine desire to understand others. If people feel they are heard, they are more willing to hear others.
Leadership Inspires Motivation. Motivation comes from showing people that you believe in them.
Leadership Influences Change. Leaders are in the business of change. Leaders affect change by helping people act on their expressed and unexpressed needs. They help transform people's needs into hopes, expectations, and ultimately demands.
Finally as the Freibergs point out, leaders intend for change to achieve broad human purpose for the common good. As leaders, Southwest Airlines have not only changed the US airline industry but they have changed the way people do business.
Examine the way you lead. Are you a Lone Leader or do you lead through Collaboration?
Leadership.
According to the Freibergs:
Leadership raises people to a higher level of moral development. At Southwest Airlines there exists a spirit of liberty and freedom that encourages people to use their imagination, express their individuality and exercise leadership. Leadership is based on mutual influence. Leaders both shape and are shaped.
When you examine your skill set or the way you do business, what type of leader do you see in yourself? Are you a "lone leader?" or are you a "collaborative leader?" Most people think of great leaders as those who are heroic, who in a single act create something great, all by themselves. What the Freibergs so eloquently do, is make us stop and examine leadership from the collaborative perspective, just the way that Herb Kelleher does. The Southwest way of leading. As defined collaborative leaders: Leadership is getting people to do what you want them to do because they share your purpose, vision and values. Leaders and collaborators have a commitment to the organization. It is not about compliance. At Southwest Airlines, leaders and collaborators are drawn to a sense of higher commitment about the company because personal agendas are encompassed by a purpose that is deeply held by all parties in the relationship.
Position of Power is not leadership. Organizations that downplay titles and position experience information flowing back and forth between collaborators and leaders. Influences and changes in these types of organizations do not typically come from the executives. It's mutual influence. Leaders influence one another. At Southwest it comes from all directions.
How do you influence? Not sure.... the Freibergs ask us to consider the following~
Walk your Talk - Integrity gives you trust and credibility. Do what you say you are going to do. Follow-through keep your promises. (Never over promise and under deliver).
Focus on the Things You Can Control - Southwest employees make things happen by focusing on things they can control.
Be Prepared- Be well prepared. Do your research.
Sharpen Your Political Skills - According to CEO Kelleher, Politics really means dealing with people. Influence with positive political skills. Build a good solid case for what you are trying to do and then argue with conviction. At Southwest, influence is about building loyalty and trust. Letting their customers know where they stand.
Love People into Action - You've got to care. It is a source of influence.
Listen for More than You Hear - Listening is powerful. It shows genuine desire to understand others. If people feel they are heard, they are more willing to hear others.
Leadership Inspires Motivation. Motivation comes from showing people that you believe in them.
Leadership Influences Change. Leaders are in the business of change. Leaders affect change by helping people act on their expressed and unexpressed needs. They help transform people's needs into hopes, expectations, and ultimately demands.
Finally as the Freibergs point out, leaders intend for change to achieve broad human purpose for the common good. As leaders, Southwest Airlines have not only changed the US airline industry but they have changed the way people do business.
Examine the way you lead. Are you a Lone Leader or do you lead through Collaboration?
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