Leadership is the art of people
Painters work with colors and brushes. Composers work with notes, chords, and harmonies. I believe that leadership is also a creative expression. Like a playwright, a leader works with words, ideas and people. Warren Bennis suggested that leadership may be the highest art, because the work of the leader helps others change. The work of a leader is profoundly involved with influencing others, making the more effective.
Tom Rath, in his research-based Strengths-Based Leadership (2009) reveals that leaders typically have four strengths, present in them or their near followers: Execution, influencing, relationship building, and strategic thinking. Of these leadership strengths, two are directly related to the art of working with people: influencing, and building connections. Leaders are maestros at building their network of relationships and finding a reason to create a common alliance. The art of influence is not a function of command, influence follows the ability to connect at a deeply meaningful level, and show others that their purpose is similar to the person in front.
I find artistry in the ability to build a network of committed relationships. The person who expands his trusted circle uses individual expression and connection. Copycats don’t win many new friends. The leader of people is able to connect in a personal way, offering the depth of one’s psyche as a touchstone of experience. The leader can show others that he or she offers an authentic distinction, a voice that has drunk from life’s well and can share a personal vision. The execution of this vision is the artistic journey.
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What are your strengths? Are you putting them to use profitably?
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When do you feel joy? Send your short answer to drsteve@mycareerimpact if you would like to include your expressive comment in my positivity journal.
Tom Rath, in his research-based Strengths-Based Leadership (2009) reveals that leaders typically have four strengths, present in them or their near followers: Execution, influencing, relationship building, and strategic thinking. Of these leadership strengths, two are directly related to the art of working with people: influencing, and building connections. Leaders are maestros at building their network of relationships and finding a reason to create a common alliance. The art of influence is not a function of command, influence follows the ability to connect at a deeply meaningful level, and show others that their purpose is similar to the person in front.
I find artistry in the ability to build a network of committed relationships. The person who expands his trusted circle uses individual expression and connection. Copycats don’t win many new friends. The leader of people is able to connect in a personal way, offering the depth of one’s psyche as a touchstone of experience. The leader can show others that he or she offers an authentic distinction, a voice that has drunk from life’s well and can share a personal vision. The execution of this vision is the artistic journey.
* * *
What are your strengths? Are you putting them to use profitably?
* * *
When do you feel joy? Send your short answer to drsteve@mycareerimpact if you would like to include your expressive comment in my positivity journal.
Posted by Steve Broe at 1/12/2011 6:27 PM 
Categories: leader, influence, relationships, connections
Tags: Steve Broe Leadership Career Impact Coaching
Categories: leader, influence, relationships, connections
Tags: Steve Broe Leadership Career Impact Coaching
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