Chris Dardar responding to: David Logan on tribal leadership
Logan describes a persons ability to lead by first defining the tribal stage of growth.
There are five Stages of tribes:
Stage 1 - The least advanced stage that views the world as a bad place "life sucks." A very small population resides here, 2%.
Stage 2 - This stage is wondering in self pity "my life sucks." They are searching for something just not aware of what. Population, 25% of society.
Stage3 - Is the tribe with the largest population, 48%. Here you find the person looking out for themself "I am great." Continually trying to out do others.
Stage 4 - Has found a group that they mesh with "we are great." Content in their being and surroundings. 22% of population.
Stage 5 - We are going to change the world "life is great." Only about 2% of the population reaches this level.
After listening to the breakdown of tribal stages I find Logan's assessments very interesting and not typical at all. He suggests in order to move forward you must first be willing to advance others. The relationships you make must allow others to broaden themselves. Logan suggest that in order to be an effective leader you must first understand and communicate with others beyond your personal comfort zone. The ability help a person through a tough time and open window that has been closed allows oneself to move forward. Standing alone in self glory does not exemplify an effective leader. Logan's view of an effective leader is one who can not only lead but empower others to create and expand.
In education, while working with students and teachers, you will encounter all five stages. To be an effective leader you must recognize that each relationship that is formed is important. A leader has the ability to work with others to solve and dissolve problems. The empowering of others allows a leader to expand beyond their own hands, which is the ultimate goal.
This sounds like the kind of servant leadership Dr. Skipper mentioned last week. I found myself kind of cringing at the truth in your statement about a leader first needing to understand and communicate with others outside his/her comfort zone. I recognize that it is true, but that doesn't make the job any easier.
ReplyDeleteI think every faculty/business/environment deals with individuals on all levels. I personally never jump to soon to point out how a persons attitude is affecting others. If a person can recognize faults and suggest or take initiative to mend or heal a situation then that person is part of the solution not just the bearer of bad news. For the person who is constantly looking for something to complain about I try to visit the positive throughout a conversation and ultimately remind them why they are here and not somewhere else. It is also helpful, when appropriate, to let them know the open door that we have can close. I believe the stage 5 tribe exists, I just don't feel they are as cut and dry. The work of a stage 5 member has to be somewhat covert, here me out. If a co-worker is constantly praising everything around them, the trust of others who are not having the same experience is not able to be achieved. I feel an open ear is able to grasp the trust of others.
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