Leadership in Chaos: 2nd edition.
Fortitude vs resilience, beyond the hero and disengaged.
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius— and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction.” E.F. Schumacher.
Patrick Scott
Change: fortitude vs resilience.
A thought for leaders: As leaders, our capacity to manage through change has never been more important. But we mustn’t forget, particularly in a world of remote working, the importance of collective resilience, vs the individual. Struggling alone, keeping the stiff upper lip, is dangerous. Developing collective fortitude and togetherness is the key to successfully navigating change.
Patrick Scott
Leadership: beyond the hero.
We often see leadership as the lone hero. The one that intervenes, to imagine and deliver a new reality. The Steve Jobs monolith myth. But, leadership manifests in multiple ways. It is as complex and dynamic as the people, communities, and situations that call it into being. Inspirations and actions that drive change are both individual, and collective. So, there’s a need for more inclusive leadership narratives. Ones where solidarity is prioritised over individualism. And where leaders foster inclusivity to drive success.
A thought for leaders: This article advocates for a new beyond the hero narrative for inclusive leadership. A narrative that includes 3 key elements. 1. that leadership manifests in multiple ways (so avoid the monolith). 2. that leadership is community-driven (so listen to the frontline). 3. that leadership, when diversified, drives real systemic change (inclusive leadership works). This narrative shift should manifest in 3 ways, 1. Language and stories, 2. Policies and practice and 3. Culture and behaviour. Hero’s are great, but we all know, it takes a village.
Patrick Scott
Culture: dis-engaged.
The world of work is changing and management consultant Gallup’s latest report The State of Work 2022, is startling evidence of that. They found that, globally, only 21% of employees are engaged at work and only 33% claim to be thriving in their overall wellbeing. Most say that they don’t find their work meaningful, don’t think their lives are going well or don’t feel hopeful about their future. While a separate study found that 40% feel burnt out. It feels like a tipping point and a crisis.
A thought for leaders: The data is clear. People are unhappy. What leaders do next, is less clear. But, something must be done. The latest data from 4 day week trials in the UK for example, have been really positive. Almost all of the 61 companies will be retaining the policy, revenue rose and absenteeism was reduced. The world of work is changing quickly. Are you making the right adjustments to keep a step ahead?
And finally, here’s another leadership principle.
Leadership Principle: The Art of Leadership.
Leadership is all about creating something novel and new from just your imagination combined with the resources at your disposal whilst inspiring others to join in its creation. So just what is that artistic sensibility that separates the best from the rest?
Dig a little deeper into this principle here.
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P.S. Our featured artist this month is Irish artist Patrick Scott. Scott trained and practiced as an architect before converting to become a full-time artist. He was perhaps best known for his gold paintings, abstracts incorporating geometrical forms in gold leaf.
