As I continue to read in the book and in articles, I’ve come to realize that there is an infinite numbers of combinations of skills and characteristics that can lead to a successful leader. Each article states (over and over) that there is no one set of skills, nor has such a set been proven in practice. Therefore, the question should not be “what are the characteristics”; the question should be what’s the right balance of each skills? Of course, that seems just about impossible to quantify or measure so maybe it’s not practical to define what makes a leader.
Another topic that is discussed in another article is the idea of ‘self-awareness’. It seems like such a simple topic and thing to do but after reading the specific passage in “What Makes a Leader?” by Daniel Goleman, I must admit I feel like I am missing this component. I just go day to day with the same work ethic and attitude without realizing what is really driving me. Sometimes when I’m at home I know when I’m in a “crabby” mood but rarely at work do I reflect on the surroundings and what just happened. And without self-awareness, I don’t see how anyone could have much self-regulation (the second component listed in the article). Sounds like I have a lot of work to do…
I am impressed that the second article (“Social Intelligence and the Biology of Leadership” by Goleman and Richard Boyatzis) had a section on HOW to become socially smarter. A lot of these articles make broad statements about what leaders must have or skills that they must learn. I’m even more impressed (and happy) that the article’s example starts with a 360-feedback analysis. This is exactly what we will be doing in the class and will be a good spring-board into developing self-awareness skills.
How valid are all the biological-leaderships connections which are made in the second article? Sure there are a few examples but really? I guess its seems a little simplified for something like leadership.
