The essentials of leadership details four leadership skills. The first is the capability for employee engagement in shared meaning. The second skill is having a compelling and distinctive voice. Effective leaders have strong values and integrity. However, the last skill is extremely critical and it is the ability to adapt in changing situations. The skill of being adaptive comes from two traits – hardiness and the capability to quickly grasp content. A balanced combination of the leadership traits of hardiness and capability to grasp content, aids leaders to grow from their crucibles and find opportunity in the most hopeless situations. Leaders like Jack Coleman, Frank Gehry and Jeff Wilke displayed the above mentioned qualities.
Geeks and geezers
An interview of 43 business leaders named as geeks and geezers displayed contrasting notions about functions of heroes, work life balance, paying dues and other aspects. The leaders also disclosed certain instances which shaped and inspired them, and helped them in leading people.
The power of neoteny
Another leadership crucible is described by having a passion for life, interest for self development and learning and curiosity in individuals. This is the quality of neoteny – stemming from biology, it means retaining juvenile features in select adult species. The author further explains this quality by narrating that a mother feels a sense of tranquillity by looking at her baby. Further examples of this quality have been elucidated by citing examples of leaders like Robert Galvin, Frank Gehry and Arthur Levitt.
References
Bennis, W.G. & Thomas, R.J. (2002). Crucibles of Leadership. Harvard Business Review.
