If
polyarchy is fast replacing the old oligarchy assumptions does this make these
old leadership models redundant? We
have learned a lot over the last 9 weeks and in previous program courses; however,
I do not feel traditional leadership is becoming outdated or redundant. However, I do believe it must transcend to
adapt to its environment. Some may
consider old leadership models as redundant, but if they study history they
will see many of the theories of today have been tried throughout history. The reason why traditional leadership models
are acceptable is because they have been proven successful. Most organizations and leadership models are
under the assumption that oligarchy is a successful approach to
leadership. As the saying goes, climb up
the ladder high enough and sooner or later you will find the one person who
makes the final decision. So if we are
to assume that polyarchy is replacing the old oligarchy theory, then one must
question at what level is such replacement in the power structure taking
place. In organizations that fit the modern
generational thinking processes, leaders are starting to embrace leadership changes
while learning to better understand their followers. Many experts believe that polyarchy is a
positive force that breaks traditional oligarchy assumptions.
Reflecting
on traditional leadership from the perspective of complex adaptive leadership,
address the implications and how they will affect you as a leader in the future.
I do not think that the new assumptions
of polyarchy make the old models of oligarchy redundant. I think a good
leader must have an open mind to be able to take advantage of both the past and
the present. Just like traditional
leadership, complex adaptive leadership also demands a definite degree of
dedication to being the best leader you can possibly be. Although, I do not agree with every aspect of polyarchy,
I believe that the new model of polyarchy has given us a greater understanding of
leadership. It shows us how leadership
can be accomplished by more than just a select few in modern day business
society. For me, the key is that it has to be in the right type of
organization with the right people. An
organization can grow and transform when it is not just controlled by just a
few. Sometimes organization and those
that lead that organization can become complacent with the status quo and tend
to stifle changes based on any outside ideas.
I think that polyarchy from a complex adaptive leadership standpoint can
enhance the organization while allowing the employees to become vested in the
organization’s success.
What impact will they have on your future strategy? I think that as an individual
that wants to return to the supervisory or leadership role, I must now look at
the world differently. It is necessary for
me to look at the chaos around me differently.
I have to understand how chaos can evolve from a peaceful situation. I must also learn to better use the tool of empowerment;
embracing the many functions of my leadership roles. As I go forward, I must look at each
organization from two perspectives. I
have to look at each organization that I work for as a leader and as a follower
to determine where I stand. Then I must
choose what type of leader I want to be to help the organization move in a
positive direction because even today some organizations choose polyarchy while
others choose a more traditional approach.
One has to know the type of organization they are dealing with in order
to build a better leadership strategy