What does "Leadership is Everyone's Business" even mean, and what does power have to do with it?
Over the course of the semester, I believe my outlook of what leadership consists of has evolved. Based on the many theories and models we have learned, leadership is more than simply the title or position one holds. It is displayed through the actions of an exec board all the way to follower who just joined an organization as a general member. Leadership is seen through the relationships and bonds created to the citizenship we acquire in our different settings. It is the very essence that aspires people to simply take charge.
So what does "Leadership is Everyone's Business" even mean then? Well, I believe leadership in general gives people the opportunity to aspire for something more in life. We all have figures/idols that we all look up to in this world. Without these individuals, how would we know that we as humans can do something great in this world? By observing those leaders around us, we are able to challenge ourselves to be like them. It is in society's best interest to have figures that can promote the well-being of organizations, businesses, communities, etc. So that is the what of that phrase, but how is it actually implemented? Power.
The word "power" carries many meanings by itself as does the many affects that it can entail upon people. Have you ever heard of the phrase the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly? Well, power fits all of those three words. Often, leaders in society use their spheres of influence to corrupt others and businesses. As a consequence of power, "it is to change how individuals view themselves and increase the distance between leaders and followers." This creates what the reading describes as the Corruption Cycle:
Causes --- Processes --- Consequences
Nonetheless, there is obviously countless moments of power being displayed for the greater good of society! One of these motives is through the ability of empowerment. "This involves sharing power with subordinates and pushing decision making and implementation power to the lowest possible level." This brings us back to the original phrase of "Leadership is Everyone's Business," because people have to be bought in to what is taking place for leadership to have true effect. Without the followers, a leader is simply alone. Without the leader, followers may trample upon one another in trying to achieve their goals having no unified voice.
Here are some individuals that I believe exude the phrase, "Leadership is Everyone's Business:"
Nelson Mandela
One of the most well known leaders in human history, President Mandela was someone that understood that "Leadership is Everyone's Business." He was able to bring the people of South Africa together in creating a democracy. As the first elected President of South Africa by the voice of the people, I think it safe to say Mandela shares a great portion of expert and referent power with his people. If you ever get chance, do some research of President Mandela, he has a fascinating history.
Margaret Thatcher
Another person who I believe exudes this phrase of "Leadership is Everyone's Business" is that of former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher. As the first woman leading the Labour Party and then Prime Minister, Thatcher knew that it was her duty to bring Parliament together. In achieving public success, Thatcher displayed a strong source of coercive and legitimate power during her term, thus dubbing her the "Iron Lady."
These are just a few examples of individuals who understood and implemented the notion that "Leadership is Everyone's Business."
In conclusion, the many theories and models that we have learned about over the course of the semester has opened my eyes to how much about leadership I did not understand before. By implementing and understanding these theories/models, leadership is something that is seen at all levels of an organization, business, entity, and it is through power that leadership can take affect.
So I leave you now with this simple quote...
"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility"
Its been real everyone, I have seriously enjoyed this class with you all! I hope that after this class, you will continue to have a constant, "LEADERSHIP STATE OF MIND!"
- JBall
