Theories into Reality
The Good to Great novel by Jim Collins is one that allowed me to look at leadership, different organizations, business practices, and myself in a new perspective. It was an eye opening experience looking at how each theory applies to different companies, and they provide examples to prove this.
One concept that was mentioned was how to be rigorous. They break it down into three practical disciplines. The first discipline is “When in doubt, don’t hire- keep looking.” The second discipline is “When you know you need to make a people change, act.” The last discipline is “Put your best people on your biggest opportunities, not your biggest problems.” This concept stuck with me because it is very relatable to any organization and very valuable to any leader. It was unforgettable and very important to myself to embrace this concept. The idea of hiring the right people that fit the culture of a company and sometimes that might mean laying off others to keep the best for the company in mind. Even taking the biggest players in your company and place them on the biggest opportunities, but placing them on the biggest problems will only jeopardized the company instead.
There was another topic that was mentioned that was confronting the brutal facts. Within this allows a climate where the truth is heard involves four basic practices like leading with questions, not answers, engage in dialogue and debate not with coercion, conduct autopsies without blame, and build red flag mechanisms that turn information into information that cannot be ignored. I consider this topic to be the one that I mostly resonate with. It is very hard sometime to take criticism and face the reality of some situations even though I like to hear them. I always strive for perfection, which is my biggest downfall, I consider. Being honest with my self and especially any company or organization I work for I have to be completely honest to be able to realize what is happening in today’s reality.
Today, our world is constantly changing. In every industry, and especially in the technology aspect. Allowing one another to be aware of this and relate this to the company and see if they are adapting to these changes. This is facing the reality of the company and the status it is in. Taking these concepts and applying it to leadership is key. It will fall within the definition of Level 5 Leadership. This involves being able to embody a mix of personal humility and professional will. Ones that have the work ethic rather than delegating and telling others what to do falls within level 5. It exits all around us, and if a individual knows what to look for, many people will have the future potential to evolve into a level 5 leader. It relates to the leadership theories as mentioned throughout the class. It could be qualities you are born with, like the great man theory or certain characteristics you have which relate to trait-based theory. It could lead to actions are better with certain characteristics. There are many theories out there today from the great man to the contingency theory. Each leadership style is different but one that is aware of their surroundings and implement new things, by adapting will help an individual become a level 5 leader.