The advantages of Strength-Based Leadership is that it is an empowering system which uses best parts of a person. The leader knows what he/she can and cannot do, and he/she is honest about it. If the leader knows that he/she can run an organization, but lacks computer skills, then he/she admits that from the start and works with someone who can complement them. You work with other people's strengths, and don't harp on their weaknesses.
The biggest killer of any leader or leadership structure is fear. If a subordinate fears to report a problem, then the problem grows larger the more time passes. If a leader fears to tell his/her people about a mistake, then the problem eats away at the leader's conscience and eventually destroys the people's faith in their leader. So the first thing you must do in a Strengths-Based Leadership structure is remove the roots of fear. Make it clear that all problems are to be reported at once, and that it is not a matter of blame. You can even put the fear to rest by offering a bonus or a "pleasant surprise" to people who spot problems or potential hazards. A pizza or a bundle of flowers doesn't cost much, it brightens everyone's day, and it is proof that fear has no place in the leadership structure.
There was a very good poem in George R. R. Martin's book, Game of Thrones, which a fencer used as a mantra to a student. I liked it so much, I copied it, and posted it in my office. If this were to be posted in any school, office, or training center it would empower many people:
"Swift as a deer. Quiet as a shadow. Fear cuts deeper than swords.
Quick as a snake. Calm as still water. Fear cuts deeper than swords.
Strong as a bear. Fierce as a wolverine. Fear cuts deeper than swords.
The man who fears losing has already lost. Fear cuts deeper than swords.
Fear cuts deeper than swords. Fear cuts deeper than swords."
A Strengths-Based Leadership system must use all the positive qualities that people have to offer. One must indeed be swift, quiet, strong, calm, and fierce. Everyone should embody these qualities, and use them for the common good. But, it is easier to be these things when you know that you need not fear.
I am a Warrant Officer. I can relate to the movie clip very well. It is about making those hard decisions without hesitation. And yes, I have had to make those decisions. People who have not served in the hit of battle, really do not understand the split second decisions that a commander, Platoon leader or Platoon sergeant has to make and deal with on an every day bases. It is part of life in the zone. Very few leaders in the civilian market have a base knowledge of what I speak about, but they really do not. The movie Gladiator; Maximus was approached by one of the senators or his ex flame. Maximus was asked if he was going to Rome and enter politics? Maximus replied with I am a soldier. I know what I am supposed to do and do it. No politics! I am a Reaganite! "Peace through strength" I know very well the qualities of this saying. They are very true! This is from first hand experience. Do not gey me wrong, I do not mind diplomacy, but you must still prepare for the realistic hard decision that must be made!
ReplyDeleteLawrence I believe fear can be a good thing whether in leadership position, child, student or whom ever. Fear is often what keeps us honest. I have a son that absolutely has no fear and because of that he is siting in a juvenile detention center waiting to go do trial. His fear only begins when it comes to the unknown like now because he does not know what is going to happen to him. On the other hand I have fear from a mothers perspective of also not knowing what will happen in court, but the biggest fear comes when he is out because I never know what he is going to do if he is doing something illegal, or if he is going to be found dead. I would much rather know he is ok.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading the article above , really explains everything in detail,the article is very interesting and effective.Thank you and good luck for the upcoming articles.Satyendra Kumar|Strength Based Assignment|Strength Based Development
ReplyDelete