Saturday, May 24, 2014

A633.9.3.RB

Most leadership models have the assumption of oligarchy – leadership is done by a few leaders over many followers.

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a lot over the last 9 weeks and in previous program courses; however, I do not feel traditional leadership is becoming outdated or redundant.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

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