OS 036: Leadership Skills: Managing Opposites

Dreams are not the opposite of reality. Dreams inform reality. – Seth Godin* Leaders struggle with apparent conflicts and opposite strategies. Transformational Leadership is about transforming thoughts as well as cultures. Here are some conflicts that challenge me: * Perfection versus Moving Ahead * Details versus The Big Picture * Systems versus Creativity * Approval versus Vision * Push Leading versus Pull Leading * Providing Answers versus Asking Questions * Micromanaging versus Coaching When I was in elementary school, dreaming was discouraged. When I studied piano as a child, I was taught to read the notes and not make things up. In my first job, I was required to follow the rules and to not challenge the system. Things were different then. Things haven’t changed much in some circles, however. Leaders in charge are limited in their scope by their conditioning, both from their nuclear family and from what they have been taught. Leadership has been and is continuing to be redefined. The transformation continues with those who are capable, willing, and attentive. What we have been taught and what we have inherited are not working in today’s world. The culture we create and lead is a reflection of our skills and vision. Organizational transformation begins with the leader. There are many pathways to transformation. One channel is defined as Transformational Leadership. It’s a style of leadership defined by Burns and Bass in the 1970s and ’80s. I have added to their data with my musical profile in my Conducting Transformation paradigm. To have a look at what’s taught, get my free report, “Building the Business of Your Dreams” at http://theleaderaccelerator.com You will receive the report along with a series of videos and questions to help you think about your own transformation. In the series of messages, you will receive an invitation to a personal session with me without cost. You can define what you want to accomplish in that session. Are you comfortable moving to a place that might not feel comfortable? Sometimes where we need to move is a place we most resist. My job is to help you feel comfortable if needed, or to challenge your comfort level if that’s what you need and request. If you are tired of the mundane? Let’s chat about it. Check out my program http://leaderunbound.com * Seth’s blog: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2015/07/opposition.html