Recently, I re-read an article written by Warren Bennis published in 1999. What had first caught my attention was the title . . . The End of Leadership;[1] then the by-line hooked me . . . A shrinking world in which technological and political complexities increase at an accelerating rate offers fewer and fewer arenas in which individual action, TOP down leadership, suffices. The source for effective change is the workforce in creative alliance with top leadership.’
Bennis begins his article by recounting an experience. He was asked to participate in a debate where he would oppose the phrase ‘all successful organizational change must originate at the top.’ Though reluctant at first, during the debate he came to the unmistakable realization that ‘top-down leadership was not only wrong, unrealistic, and maladaptive but also, given the report of history, dangerous. And given certain changes taking place in the organizational landscape, this obsolete form of leadership (emphasis added) will erode competitive advantage and destroy the aspirations of any organization that aims to be in the phone book beyond the year 2002.’
Obsolete form of leadership? That was my first response six years ago. However, as I reflect on my recent studies in strategic leadership, organizational structure and design, and strategic foresight, I am more and more convinced this must be the shift for every organization striving to remain viable in this rapidly changing century.
Yes, every organization, even the Church. Although our tradition has been and continues to be hierarchal, I am persuaded Robert Greenleaf’s reintroduction of primus inter pares in his book Servant Leadership is more applicable to the church than we would like to admit.
But, I still struggle with the quest for significance. And what will happen if I loose my status title?
You may think I am being sarcastic . . . maybe a little. However, this is a real dilemma. It may be the struggle with form over function . . . or . . . the end does not justify the means if the means to the goal are far from appropriate.
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
[1] Bennis, Warren, “The End of Leadership: Exemplary Leadership is Impossible Without the Full Inclusion, Initiatives, and Cooperation of Followers,” Organizational Dynamics, vol. 28 (Summer 1999), p. 71-80.