Leadership is generational

There is a lot of hoopla about change management and leadership, NO denying ANY organization would not exist let alone succeed in absence of strong leadership and an effective change management program that weathers changing strategies, organizational structures, market conditions, etc. What’s worrisome thought is the perspective a lot of business graduates and business managers have about change and leadership. As life gets faster business graduates and managers expect an equally fast turn on change and leadership. It is not as fast and easy as downloading a good book on change and leadership on to your iPod listening or reading through the pages of the HBR and knowing all that there is to know about change and leadership. The Titanic does not change course in an instant! I am particularly skeptical of the turnaround experts, not to say short term goals don’t matter but they come at a cost and that cost will be adequately compensated with some depression in the long run.

We see leaders, read about them, hear about them, talk about them, even study their decisions and try to emulate them. What one takes away may or may not be the same the next person takes away. Not too long ago I had a good friend who visited a conference where the legendary Jack Welch presented. I adore Jack’s leadership and business acumen; have been a huge fan forever! When this friend mentioned he wanted to get a business degree only because he heard Jack mention ‘today’s managers need to develop people skill’, I thought what on earth! Coming from Jack sounded a little strange, the same person who had such a public divorce, which only got messier in the media... & people skills.

I believe the truth is we need all the knowledge there is, our own vision combined with a STRONG heart to be patient and persist at the mission/vision, make the TOUGH decisions. A little steering every so often, engagement and energy & the organization will see the light on the horizon. Changing people’s philosophies, ideology and thoughts takes generations. Leadership is a philosophical, Leadership is generational!