Culture in Leadership
Understanding Perspectives
The word “teamwork” surfaces frequently in meetings and in the day-to-day operation of an organization. We all recognize it as a worthy goal and a necessary attribute for success. When it comes to any one project, however, each person will probably view it from an entirely different perspective.
Improve Interaction
A leadership perspective is the viewpoint from which an individual sees life, analyzes problems, negotiates issues, makes decisions, and interacts with others. We all tend to have one of seven perspectives.
- An idealist seeks excellence in thought, word, and deed; identifies problems as they arise; and speaks the truth boldly.
- A mediator is deeply loyal and compassionate, analyzing the benefits and problems of a given direction.
- An organizer visualizes final results and directs resources for the successful completion of goals.
- A provider is resourceful, prudent, and thrifty, constantly ensuring the best use of all available resources.
- A server sees and meets others’ practical needs, frees them to accomplish their goals, and invests time and energy in their success.
- A teacher imparts wisdom, maturity, and skill to others; validates direction; and ensures completeness.
- A visionary is committed to growth, looks beyond problems to causes, and develops precise solutions for success.
Enhance Communication
Identifying which perspective you possess will allow you to minimize the distortion you place on an issue. This understanding will enable you to effectively communicate by considering the frame of reference others may have. Recognizing anotherís leadership perspective gives greater understanding to your interactions with that person.
Use leadership perspectives to gain insight into othersí needs before making decisions. If you reach a point of disagreement, seek to appreciate the other perspective.
The ability to understand varying perspectives results in maximum effectiveness and minimum weariness on the job. Personal satisfaction and a deep sense of fulfillment are gained.
Strengthen Relationships
You add distinct power to your ability to work with your teammates when you identify your own and othersí leadership perspectives. Conversely, however, do not incorrectly assume that you do not need to demonstrate qualities pertaining to other perspectives. It is only as you learn the character of the other six perspectives, that you will be able to use your own leadership perspective effectively.
Endeavor to understand how your outlook is affected by leadership perspectives. A wise person will learn to work with the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective, greatly reducing difficulties in relationships.
How Do Perspectives Work?
Imagine that you are working at your desk, and a coworker spills a cup of coffee all over his keyboard. Which of the following responses would you have?
- Idealist: “That is what happens when you are not careful. Besides, policy says to keep drinks off computer desks.” (Motivation: to correct the problem.)
- Mediator: “Hey, no problem—I knock things over all the time.” (Motivation: to relieve embarrassment.)
- Organizer: “You wipe up the coffee, I will clean the keyboard, and Susan, would you mind getting a refill?” (Motivation: to achieve the immediate goal of the group.)
- Provider: “Here, let me get you a new cup of coffee. Do you take cream or sugar?” (Motivation: to give to a tangible need.)
- Server: “Let me help you clean that up!” (Motivation: to meet a practical need.)
- Teacher: “Your coffee spilled because you set it too close to your mousepad.” (Motivation: to discover why it happened.)
- Visionary: “Next time, you could use a mug that has a lid on it.” (Motivation: to avoid future problems.)