(Another Take On Leadership Cont.)

Introduction

"...Understanding reason and emotions can go a long way to navigating the world of modern management..."
Kirsten Ferguson, 2023

This involves 2 parts of your body:

- head (it involves being rational, intellectual, logical, technical, using 'hard skills', cognitive thinking, conscious thoughts, etc;
"...doing so allows us to analyse complex data, weigh up risk and opportunities, create business strategies or write policies. Our heads love to focus on the tangible, find patterns and think about what can be measured and reviewed......results, strategies, budgets, competencies, systems, decisions and key performance indicators are all valuable outputs from those who lead with their heads..."
Kirsten Ferguson, 2023

Formal western education system reinforces and supports the head approach.

- heart (emotionally, feelings, 'soft skills', etc).
"...in any given situation, context or conversation, you'll need to draw on skills from both the head and heart to be the most effective leader you can be..."
Kirsten Ferguson, 2023a

In addition to the head and heart, there is the gut (instinct, experience, intuition, unconscious thoughts, seat of self-preservation, etc) that needs to be considered.

Furthermore, sometimes people refer to our hands (skills, abilities, etc) (for more detail, see elsewhere in the Knowledge Base)

Informal Leaders

Never underestimate the power of the informal leaders, ie people who are listened to, respected, trusted, etc but don't necessarily have any formal authority or position. For example, Greta Thunberg (young environmental activist) possessed no formal authority, started with no followers but demonstrated great leadership in the environmental movement. (for more detail, see elsewhere in the Knowledge Base)

Eight key leadership attributes

A. Head

i) curiosity
ii) wisdom
iii) perspective
iv) capability

B. Heart

v) humility
vi) self-awareness
vii) courage
viii) empathy

NB There is overlap and linkages between them.