Transforming Leadership

R&T's article is titled: Seven Transformations of Leadership — but they only describe three:

● Expert ► Achiever
● Achiever ► Individualist
● Individualist ► Strategist

Only one of these is convincing; and a possible transformation is omitted.

Expert ► Achiever

The most understandable move is from being an Expert to becoming an Achiever. But antagonism between diagonally opposite quadrants is usual in a TET. This is evident here because the transformation means moving from an impersonal approach to a social approach. This would be very hard for an empiricistExpert.

However, a cause-centredExpert might be able to take up the organization with its values and goals as their «cause». That could definitely assist in developing the Achiever-style of leadership.

THEE's Approach to Transformation

► Do You Really Want to Transform?

R&T's discussion emphasizes the desirability of transformation. It may well be desirable from the perspective of the organization, but that does not make it automatically desirable from the perspective of a person. Personal growth is not a requirement for life. It is perfectly reasonable for people to function as they are and to develop as feels appropriate to them. There is certainly no shortage of work for capable achievers, be they Opportunists, Experts, Achievers, or Strategists. 

► How Does Personal Transformation Occur?

It just happens. It is unstoppable. Often a transformation occurs through searching to become authentically yourself as distinct from the person you have been reared, taught or socialized to be. Anyone who genuinely wants even more significant personal development will sooner or later find the right situation or the right person to assist them. 

► Do Organizations Need to Transform?

Yes! Yes! Yes! While personal transformation is not to be pushed unduly, the transformation of organizations and even society is something else entirely. These are the contexts within which people live, work and express themselves. Big improvements are urgently required to meet minimum standards of productivity, compassion, and psychological health. Re-read TOP's visionary goal.

► A THEE-Eye View of the Future

If our societies and our organizations became more humane and realistic, they would enable the full play of personal autonomy and responsibility. That way, far more could be achieved: both for the person and for the group or organization. This is not yet widely understood, even though it is by far the most positive and practical possibility for assisting individuals and benefiting society. As contexts improve and values mature, personal development will emerge simply and spontaneously as a side-effect of living and working well.

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• We are at the end of this Exercise: it is now time for a wrap-up Report Card.

Last Updated: 12-Jan-2012