Governance
Leadership Is Not A Property Owned By A Person But A Process
By Prof . Kellen Kiambati
Pre and post Covid-19 turbulent times highlights new fragilities in the leadership space . Addressing the said fragilities could be a new wave to rethink leadership , a topic that has always been captivating , sparking fascination among individuals .
Generally , the concept of leadership evokes visions of influential and energetic figures who lead triumphant military forces , oversee vast corporate realms from the heights of impressive skyscrapers , or influence the trajectory of entire nations through use of inherent qualities .
Far from that , a more contemporary and nuanced perspective challenges this notion , positing that leadership is not a property owned by a person but rather an ongoing and dynamic process .
Effective leadership transcends individual characteristics , emphasizing the fluid and adaptable nature of the leadership process .
Effective leadership is not purely defined by charisma , decisiveness , or vision , but by a leader ' s ability to navigate an unpredicted landscape of challenges , opportunities and diverse team dynamics .
It is a journey characterized by continuous improvement , adaptability , and a commitment to growth and development . This is opposite of the traditional notion of leadership as a fixed set of special traits .
Flexibility and adaptability is a cornerstone of effective leadership because it allows leaders to thrive amidst uncertainty and change . Considering the ever changing fast-paced world we are living in today , the ability to adapt is paramount for leaders .
Leadership is not a one-size-fitsall proposition , and what works in one situation may not be effective in another . It therefore calls for leaders to be dynamic and carefully recognize the need for flexibility and willingness to adjust strategies , communication style , and decision-making processes to suit the demands of different situations .
For a long time , leadership often spotlighted an individual figurehead , however in the modern world collaboration and shared values is the new trend . Leaders are no longer perceived as solitary decision-makers but as facilitators of collaborative efforts within a team .
The leadership process involves fostering an open and friendly environment where diverse perspectives are valued , and team members are empowered to contribute their unique skills , insights and innovations . These approaches make leadership to transcend individual ownership .
The place of communication in leadership cannot be underestimated . It is the catalyst for dynamic leadership processes hence serving as its lifeblood clearly knowing that leaders are not only adept at conveying their vision but also skilled listeners who seek to understand the perspectives of those they lead and integrate their perspectives into the organization ’ s objectives and performance .
It should however be noted that communication process involves not just transmitting information but fostering a shared understanding and building a collective sense of purpose so as to create a culture of transparency , trust , and open dialogue to effectively navigate the complexities of leadership .
Leadership is deeply intertwined with emotional intelligence and therefore not solely a rational exercise . It calls for a leader to have the ability to understand and manage one ' s emotions , as well as the emotions of others by meticulously navigating situations with empathy , resilience , and authenticity .
Leaders who prioritize emotional intelligence contribute better to a positive work environment and staff well-being . As the navigation of emotional intelligence space takes place , learning and personal growth also is enhanced .
Leaders who continuously recognize that growth is an ongoing journey rather than a destination are better equipped to adapt to evolving challenges while appreciating that it takes a mindset of curiosity and a proactive approach to personal and professional development .
In conclusion , leadership is not a static property owned by an individual ; it is a dynamic process characterized by flexibility , shared values , effective communication , emotional intelligence , and continuous learning .
Prof . Kellen Kiambati holds a BA - HRM from Kenyatta University , MBA from the Kenya Methodist University and a PhD in Business Administration with a focus in Strategic Management from JKUAT . She is a member of the Institute of Human Resource Management of Kenya . She can be reached via : Kellenkiambati @ gmail . com .
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