A641.1.3.RB - What is Great Leadership

View "What is Great Leadership" by Dr. Richard Boyatzis. Dr. Boyatzis explains the impact most effective leaders can have on you.        

I went back and forth when deciding what leader inspired me and who specifically stunted my output with regards to performance and it's rather cliché, but I'm probably living in the largest contrast of these traits currently. Dr. Boyatzis points out a very profound description of leadership with the focal point being on the relationship. In the military we describe this as the center of gravity, or what binds some form of advantage. Without a harmonious business relationship the effectiveness as stated in the video is limited by the amount of dive that is delivered.

The first individual I describe is the antagonist as I like to name him. He sort of seems to drive excellence away from the flag pole but constantly wishes to gain better performance. It's funny, but then again not to see the reaction of his boss (which is the collective's big boss) when I was speaking to him in private about the collectives' perception of him. Needless to say he was completely shocked. Many in the group even spread thoughts about trying to get an investigation of toxicity going about the individual. I do agree that my behavior around this individual tends to be more aggressive and defensive, but my self-awareness drives me to act in opposite when dealing with others. I do have to admit that my inner windings go a bit crazy for a while with just a short interaction. I think I'll go back to the work place now that I have identified a few interactions with subordinates after being fired up from said antagonist, and see the perceived behavior that I displayed in the interaction. I might be shocked to see that my so-called self proclaimed awareness (Emotional Intelligence) might not be at the level I have hoped.

In stark contrast, the current commander our Task Force operates under is a very Resonant Leader except for his ability to uncloak the antagonist for which he unfortunately thinks is a stellar performer. I do think that great commander's have the ability balance an operational staff well that really support and reinforce echelons below. They also inspire the hierarchy both vertical and horizontally all while managing interpersonal relationships. I don't see this very often, and usually one has a great staff because he or she drives them very aggressively, but usually lacks good interpersonal relationships. I do feel that my performance is usually at its peak when I have "bought into" the Fundamental and Powerful Concept that any leader is trying to convey. This harmonizes the playing fields and motivates individuals to enact disciplined initiative in all facets of their actions.

Unfortunately it's very rare in today's military to be inspired because I feel that I have worked for several years now within the realm of what I call Band-Aid Leadership. This is what I refer to as reactionary leadership where untrained leaders don't first get out into the population and fully understand the Operating Environment or to simply put the moral of the population. They emplace actions and procedures that cover the current fissure, but never get after the root of any problem really. Before you know it you're operating on a volcano with thousands of mended cracks awaiting the great explosion. It's very annoying, but unfortunately the reality we operate in today's profession of arms. Very interesting topic Resonant Leadership is and an exciting realm to learn and discuss to say the least. I'll be pushing for more courses like this one during Professional Military Leadership.

References

Boyatzis, R. E., Boyatzis, R., & McKee, A. (2005). Resonant leadership: Renewing yourself and connecting with others through mindfulness, hope, and compassion. Harvard Business Press.

Boyatzis, R. E. (2018). Resonant Leadership [Video file]. Retrieved https://erau.instructure.com/courses/87426/discussion_topics/1327601?module_item_id=4764883