Kevin Rudd resigned his Prime Ministership rather than face being voted out by his own party colleagues. What transformed a resounding electoral win in December 2007 into this current humiliation? More importantly, as leaders, how can you or I avoid such outcomes? And, what are the warning signs? Here are half a dozen.
For me, the basic issue is often the mindset and emotions we bring to a leadership situation. Is it expansionary: open, confident and caring of the challenges and people. Or, contractionary: closed, centralised and disdainful? And, I assure you I’ve operated in each mode – and so in reflecting on Rudd’s experience, I can empathise as well as judge.
Pragmatic
In general, or for each leadership issue you’re currently facing, mark where you’re operating on the six spectra below! Far left, far right, or in-between?
Expansionary focus
Contractionary focus
Destination and goals
Process and control
Delegation
Centralisation
Reality and evidence
Theory and assertion
Pragmatism and compromise
My way or the highway
Caring and flexibility
Endurance and intransigence
Planning and then implementing
Deciding and assuming it’s done
If we think a amount of issues over Rudd’s Prime Ministership, the financial stimulus programs, hospital reform and the new Resources Super-Profits Tax, he operated nearer to the right than the left emotionally. But, why?
How is it we adopt a single mode? From my feel and observation, these choices are often subconscious – reflecting deep-seated events from childhood or later. Given Rudd’s lively early years, it’s not surprising he might be angry and combative with population keeping economic or other power, and have a deep desire to operate his environment.
There are times when the right-hand side of the ledger is appropriate. But, only if that is going to meet your current (as opposed to past) needs. And, that’s what my Leadership activity Planning tool helps you do. Plan consciously your leadership actions to ensure they address the concerns of those you’re trying to lead today and the challenges you and they are for real facing – not phantoms from the past. What you need is a plan of leadership actions to inspire them to trust and join you on the journey. The alternative is normally not as dramatic or newsworthy as Rudd’s demise, but can be devastating nonetheless. So, why not avoid it?
Leadership – Are You Driven By vision Or Vengeance?
My Links : Galaxy HDTV Pheromone Rash GPS network Home theater control