Good morning to all! My name is Dr. Doug Hood and the topic I hope we can explore in the coming weeks is Traditional and Nontraditional Perspectives on Leadership.  I shall be posting my research and thoughts and I hope you will as well.  I look forward to "our" journey! 

Hello Colleagues:

As a leader, the basis of my leadership has changed over the past 10 years from a traditional perspective to a collaborative leadership perspective. In some areas, this was very difficult for me. However, based on my faith in Jesus Christ; I am being transformed. The traditional leadership perspective of the leader doing everything and only delegating areas that conform to maintaining authority is truly an outdated leadership perspective. Yes, leaders will still have to use different types of leadership styles, but; the ultimate goal for a Conscious Leader, Transformational Leader, and Servant Leader is to share, encourage, facilitate, coach, and allow all people to engage in, help, and allow people to participate in the processes of collaboration. As a business professor in management, allowing employees to engage in the business processes will help them grow and develop as future leaders within a firm.

Best regards,

Joseph Kennedy

Thank you Joseph! Some contemporary leadership models argue that the“effective leaders are those who have the cognitive and behavioral capacity torecognize and react to paradox, contradiction, and complexity in theirenvironments.” (Denison, Hooijberg, & Quinn, 1995) Most common contemporaryleadership models include charismatic, transformational and transactionalleadership. “Transactional leadership style is based on an exchange of servicefor various kinds of rewards that the leader controls, at least in part.”(Leithwood, 1992) Transactional leaders should be able to identify the rewardsthat would motivate their followers in orders to achieve their goals. Incontrast, transformational leadership is defined as “the collective action thattransforming leadership generate empowers those who participate in theprocess.” (Leithwood, 1992) Transformational leaders are capable to bring upwith a significant change. That is “it facilitates the redefinition of apeople’s mission and vision, a renewal of their commitments, and therestructuring of their systems for goal accomplishment.” (Leithwood, 1992)Charismatic leaders have supernatural powers over their followers. House &Baetz (cited in (Conger & Kanungo, 1987) defined charismatic leaders as theleaders who “by the force of their personal abilities are capable of havingprofound and extraordinary effects on followers”. The followers of charismaticleaders are loyal and trust the charismatic leader’s values, behaviors andvision. (Borkowski, 2005) Charismatic leaders use their own personal powerinstead of position power to influence followers in order to achieve theirgoals.

References

Borkowski, N. (2005). Organizational behavior in healthcare. USA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.

Denison, D. R., Hooijberg, R., & Quinn, R. E. (1995).Paradox and Performance: Toward a Theory of Behavioral Complexity in ManagerialLeadership. ORGANIZATION SCIENCE , 6 (5), pp.524-540.

Leithwood, K. A. (1992). The move toward transformationalleadership. Educational Leadership , 49 (5), pp.8-12.

3.Conger, J. A., & Kanungo, R. N. (1987). Toward aBehavioral Theory of Charismatic Leadership in Organizational Settings. Academyot Management Review , 12 (4), pp.637-647.

Hello Doug:

Thank you for the information. One of the main reasons why I think transactional leadership must develop and change, is the process of quid pro quo. with respect to this leadership philosophy, transactional leadership compels people in this style of leadership to perform, however; if the people in this leadership style do not, there are consequences. Yes, I do believe people should be held to a standard of performance, but; Conscious leadership, Service Leadership, and Transformational leadership apply value to people, where they seek to help people by training and development. When I was a military leader in the US Army, I do see the benefits of Transactional leadership, however; when I worked in a business organization, I had to ensure that I was promoting value to people by emphasizing a true commitment to service to my employees. This was difficult for me, especially serving as a military officer. The true benefits of Conscious leadership, Servant leadership, and Transformational Leadership is the holistic change within people by leaders positive influences towards them. As Christians, we know this change occurs through the Holy Spirit of God our Father.

Joseph

I could not agree more! How would you compare the leader-member theory with the Christian leadership style that research shows us? I did further research and from a Christian perspective there is a lot that is said and written about Christian leadership. Much of it is not actually about leadership at all, but is focused on theological, expositional, hermeneutical, worship facilitation and communications skills. It’s also sad to say that Christian leadership today seems frequently to get confused with the modern concept of celebrity. Where consideration is given to the vital skills of people and organizational leadership, the Christian world so often seems to call upon secular, worldly models, passing over the one role model who should be in focus – Jesus Christ. What are your thoughts on that?

http://christian-leadership.org/jesus-the-role-model-for-christian-leaders/

Hello Doug:

Based on my perspective, Situational Leadership Theory by Hersey & Blanchard is a better model than Leadership-Member Exchange theory, especially the level of readiness at each of the four levels within this leadership philosophy:

During the Telling and Selling stages, Transactional Leadership could be used, however; as you progress to Participating and Delegating stages, Transformational Leadership or Servant Leadership should be applied to your employees, especially people you are grooming to be leaders. I met Dr. Hersey, he consulted at Nova Southeastern University while I was a Doctoral student and I attended his seminar he provided at the Academy of Management in 2003:

Situational Leadership Theory

This theory postulates that people, depending on their level of experience move through various levels by different leaders. The stages are:

1. Telling  
2. Selling
3. Participating
4. Delegating

I met Dr. Hersey when I was in my doctoral program and I attended his workshops, he truly believed as I do that “A situational leader is anybody anywhere who recognizes that influencing behavior is not an event but a process.”
– Dr. Paul Hersey

I tend to agree!As a leader, I am drawn to the situational approach to leadership, specifically the coaching style. I believe that different situations as well as the competence and motivation of the team members contribute greatly to the most effective leadership style choice, so I might have to be more or less directive at times or more or less supportive in my style. In the coaching style, the leader is both goal oriented and supportive of the team members’ social and emotional needs (Northouse, 2004). I think these two factors are the most important when being a leader. Leadership is necessary to achieve goals and be successful. That is why the team, organization, or business is there in the first place. However, without supporting and respecting the team members, they will not be successful. I think I am drawn to the coaching style of leadership because I view Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of leadership. I think the argument can be made that Jesus used coaching, at times being more directive and at times being more supportive depending on the situation. As a Christian, I strive to emulate Christ in my life and career, so coaching seems like the leadership style most in line with my beliefs.

I do believe that personal, moral, ethical, and religious beliefs can all interfere with a leader’s ability to effectively lead. Individual beliefs often dictate behavior, and a leader’s behavior towards his or her team helps determine if they are successful. One example that readily comes to mind is stereotyping and prejudices. If a leader has these kinds of issues with a team member, it can create an unpleasant work environment and tension between all team members. A positive example is that of a leader having the personal and moral belief that every person deserves respect and dignity. This would obviously contribute to more effective leadership because team members would feel acknowledged and supported. The reality that personal beliefs can affect our thoughts, behaviors, and speech is why it is so important to be aware of one’s own beliefs and ensure that they are contributing in a positive way to one’s life.

Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and practice (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Good Morning-

As a School Superintendent the one area that I continue to grow in daily is my focus on "Reflective Leadership."  With the fast paced world we live in and the mandates that come daily, coaching staff and providing "Supportive Leadership" make a great difference in the overall culture and climate daily as well. Most in particular, "Situational Leadership" grows from this.  I am enjoying this discussion topic. Thank you-

Gina

Gina,

I agree with your assessment that today's school superintendent has to be more reflective in leadership which helps stop knee jerk reactions to situations that arise on a daily.

Hello Doug:

Doug, thank you for hosting this excellent forum on “Traditional and Non-Traditional Perspectives on Leadership.” I look forward to continuing this discussion!

I am with you on this Doug, coaching is a very important element as a leader. The first two stages of the situational leadership perspective to me are directive as you stated, as a young leader, I was directed what I needed to do, as a Christ follower; this is necessary, especially when you are a young leader, you need to be compelled to do certain things even when the flesh does not want to do it. This means we need to act and obey God's Holy word. The later two stages of situational leadership is when the person will have to make certain decisions on their own based on the growth and development they received from the first two stages of this leadership model, especially servant and transformational leadership.

Joseph

Thanks, Doug, for hosting the topic on “Traditional and Non-Traditional Perspectives on Leadership” in this forum. For me, a major difference between the two styles or models of leadership is that the latter is more collaborative and expansive than the former that is characterized with power and coercion. And, unlike traditional models of leadership, non-traditional or conventional models promote divergent views that help transformational leaders to be more innovative and allow for significant change in an organization. I prefer non-traditional leadership models because, these leaders can use approaches like emotional intelligence (EI) to be more understanding the emotions of their followers. They also have the capacity to influence others through power sharing (democratic process) rather than coercing with force for intended results. Hence, instructional leaders who use a non-traditional leadership style in the classroom can have better classroom management and results. Thanks. Moses Taiwo 

Thank you all for your comments on leadership. Please allow me to share this as well. The focal point of servant leadership within the church is “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:12). This means, with Christ being the head of the church, the entire church body is served in the act of providing leadership. It’s not just the church leaders who become acutely aware of their place at the foot of the cross but all those within the body of Christ. We all mutually submit ourselves to Jesus just as He was in submission to the Father. From a biblical perspective, servant leadership frees the church of the abuse of power and coercion and promotes mutual respect and love for one another. A servant leader seeks to invest himself in the lives of his people so that, as a whole, the church community is challenged to grow to be more like Christ. This is demonstrated in the leader’s willingness to give of himself to meet the needs, but not necessarily the wants, of his people. Like a good parent, the true servant leader knows the difference between the needs of his spiritual children and their selfish wants and desires. The bottom line to the application of servant leadership is that we don’t emulate the examples of the world; our example is Jesus, who came as a servant. Therefore, our mission is to serve one another, to give of ourselves. Christ came to give His life. We are to give of our lives not only in service to Him but to our fellow man, including those in the church and outside it (Mark 12:31).

http://www.gotquestions.org/servant-leadership.html

Doug, theoretically, everyone loves to embrace the servant leadership style of Jesus, including other major key religious sages in history, due to their selfless services to humanity. I believe their leadership style or model is congruent not to a traditional but non-traditional type. The non-traditional leadership model or style still accommodates both the diverse needs and wants of the followers through a democratic not autocratic process. This remains an ongoing issue or challenge for both the church leaders and instructional leaders today! Moses 

For the past 15 yrs, I have been exploring leadership from a complexity science perspective. I believe that the leadership concepts described above will be the ones that help our leaders deal with rapidly changing systems. We are being called to find theories and models that help leaders be adaptable, resilient and definitely letting go of control mechanisms. I am drawn to the work of Dr Glenda Eoyang who has identified the characteristics for self-organizing systems. Maybe there is hope in simple models! Kristine

Thank you all!  Please allow me to add another style I am fond of researching that could apply to traditional and non-traditional in my opinion and further our search.  According to Northouse, adaptive leadership is about how leaders encourage people to adapt – to face and deal with problems, challenges and changes. Some strengths of adaptive leadership is that it isn’t a trait or characteristic of the leader, but rather a complex interactional event that occurs between leaders and followers and their different situations. It believes that leaders and followers mutually affect each other and make leadership an interactive activity. Another strength is that it is follower centered and stresses follower involvement, participation, and growth. It also promotes followers deal with conflicting values that emerge in changing work environments and social contexts.

Adaptive leadership, like all forms of leadership, does have its weaknesses. Adaptive challenges are difficult because they usually require changes in people’s assumptions, perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Another weakness is that this form of leadership is relatively new and very little research has been done to test its claims. Also, since it’s new, the process needs further refinement and clarification.

One challenge an adaptive leader may encounter when encouraging their followers to solve their own problems and challenges would behaving followers that don’t believe in themselves or think they aren’t capable of doing something. They lack faith and confidence in themselves and are therefore hesitant to try new things. Leaders may also have followers who don’t handle change well or are resistant to it. Resisting change is a natural lreaction for some people and it is extremely difficult to get someone who has this reaction to ever accept change.

Resource:

Northouse P.G. (2015). Leadership: Theory and practice (7thed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage

Hello everyone, I wanted to expand on the notion of adaptive concepts.  The concept of Complex Adaptive System (CAS) is applied more in today’s complex environment as social media becomes more prevalent in higher education.  No longer do you see a learning experience between the faculty and student only, but you see and experience learning opportunities between faculty to student, student to student, student to expert, faculty to expert, and faculty to faculty.  If we teach our students to reach out and make these social connections, they experience open networks and sustained fluid interactions different from traditional processes.

Mandviwalla, Schuff, Chacko and Miller (2013) outlines how, “courses are usually closed systems in which instructors disseminate pre-packaged knowledge and students receive that knowledge, then demonstrate mastery of it. In the new model, students and faculty co-create the course content, each bringing in different sources of knowledge”.  Co-creation uses two distinct forms to create new content, firstly ideas, concepts, and facts; and secondly, discussion thread that reveal new information about the content.

As faculty leaders, we can use any leadership style to create CAS by encouraging interactions between students, experts, another faculty,and the like.  By encouraging an open system’s approach, we equip our students with tools to develop innovative ideas and new practices in their respective industries.  Jesus broke the model of his day by socializing differently from the local norms.  In doing so God's message moved throughout the world.

Mandviwalla, M.,Schuff, D., Chacko, M., & Miller, L. (2013). Is That All There Is? TakingEducation to New Levels in the Social-Media Era. Change, 45(5), 51-58.doi:10.1080/00091383.2013.812474

I liked your reference to CAS. Even if we favor traditional or nontraditional leadership styles we need to accept that a good leader cannot do the jobs of several people, they have to know how to empower others. A leader who tries to control absolutely everything, will get bogged down in minor details. It also displays a lack of confidence in others. People need to feel valued and given responsibility. A good leader needs to be able to delegate to the right people and intervene only at critical moments. To learn the art of leadership, we also need to learn the art of following others. If we can listen to others, people will respond in similar fashion and will be willing to follow our advice. This is why I feel that servant leadership is such a powerful theory.

Servant leadership helps foster team members along with several other tools that we keep talking about. To be a leader means that you shape your opinions and decisions around the greater good for the project you are responsible for, it is not about you. This requires sacrificing your own interests and wants in favor of the needs of the project, and the people that work on it. Good leaders go beyond their own resources and cultivate positive power from others. They use any combination of persuasion. being a leader rarely means taking forceful control over people, things or decisions. Instead it means a willingness to listen to others, and treat them with respect. Their opinions should contribute to your thinking for how best to apply your influence. The value of a leader is their positive effect on a team, not the force and power they have at their disposal. The best leader will inspire his followers. He will lead, yet people will not feel that they are being led. The most effective leadership is to help others feel they are working from their own initiative.

References

Northouse, P. (2016). Leadership:Theory and Practice.(7thed). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/l/laotzu101043.html

Dr. Hood,

Thank you for facilitating this discussion on Traditional and non-Traditional Perspectives of Leadership. I stand in awe of the research you and the other faculty contributors have invested in learning the nuances of various leadership styles, and of you abilities to present both the positives and the pit-falls associated with the leadership styles discussed. I am also deeply impressed with the desire you articulate to follow Jesus Christ and allow Him to transform our lives and leadership styles to bring glory to Him. The students of GCU are indeed fortunate to have such dedicated faculty facilitating their learning. 

In his book on Nehemiah, and its model of leadership, Chuck Swindoll (1978) expounds on the idea that biblical leadership begins on the knees. I have found that it is on my knees before God I am best able to identify the challenges ahead, the will of the Father in meeting these challenges, and the needs of those who will join in meeting those challenges. Thus, as Dr. Hood pointed out, each person deserves respect and dignity and we are all mutually submissive to Christ. Allowing Christ to lead produces the greatest long-term success.

As I thought about contributing to this Faculty Discussion, I thought of the story of Joshua, a great biblical leader. Joshua 9 contains the story of Joshua's failure when he allowed himself to be deceived by the Gibeonites. The reason for the failure is explained in Joshua 9:14, "The men of Israel . . . did not seek the LORD's counsel" (HCSB). My failures in life, and leadership, can be attributed to that of the men of Israel - I forgot to "seek the LORD's counsel." 

I have learned much from the study you all have invested, and appreciate your excellent explanations. I think if we combine your expertise with "seeking the LORD" we will be better leaders in the classroom, the workplace, secular society, the church, and life.

Ron S.

Resource: Swindoll, C. (1978). Hand me another brick: Principles of effective leadership: how to motivate yourself and others. NY, NY: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Thank you Ron for your uplifting insight.  It is always a blessing for me to blend academics and my spiritual beliefs.  I am not sure if you are familiar with the Walk to Emmaus but I completed mine back in October followed by wife doing it 2 weeks later.  I cannot begin to explain the experience.  I wish you all the best as we move forward.

Follower of Jesus,

  Doug

Doug, Joe is spot on with her perspective. Leadership in the classroom dictates that we work with and motivate students of varying maturity and abilities. Following the guidelines of Hersey Blanchard, and using SL to guide how we handle our students is a much in any classroom setting.

A great paper was conducted on this topic titled 

Managing Student Behavior: How Ready are Teachers to Meet the Challenge?    

I am a huge believer in this perspective and how to address students in the class, particularly when we realize that "challenging a student" takes on a variety of positions based on what quadrant of SL theory that student is in.

Thanks

Rob           

Thank you those comments Rob. My research on this indicates that a growing amount of research suggests great leadership isn't just learned or taught, but rather some people simply possess the personality traits to positively impact the balance and harmony within an organization's social system. I agree and found something that seems to support it. If it takes more than a winning personality to rally people around you toward a common goal, maybe it’s time to finally put aside the debate over whether great leaders are born or made. Yes, genetics may give some people a faster start out of the gate. But as the old saying goes, “It’s not what you’ve been given but what you do with it that matters.” It seems that the bottom line is leadership isn’t a race; it’s a marathon that is run in stages throughout a career. It doesn’t matter how a leader comes by his or her skill. There is no such thing as a perfect leader or a one-size-fits-all way to lead. What matters is that you possess the requisite skills for the job and that you are willing to apply those skills for the benefit of those you lead. Fortunately, that’s something each of us can learn.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/northwesternmutual/2015/03/23/are-leaders-born-or-made/#220641f47ddf

Hello Doug and fellow colleagues:

An important assertion made by all of us in this forum, leaders should put others before themselves. I model this in my classes based on Jesus Christ's Servant Leadership and or Transformational Leadership Approach. Effective leadership is necessary in all professions and disciplines, but; the most important aspect especially espoused by our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, he stated, "I did not come to be served, but to serve." Jesus then washed his disciples feet emulating his true compassion as a leader, the king of king's washing peoples' feet, that truly humbles me.

In Christ's Love

Joseph

Joe, a great insight! I believe Jesus not only taught us the concepts of humility and service, as two key characteristics of a non-traditional leadership, but he also modeled these qualities for us as instructional leaders. Perhaps, it was for same reason Jesus challenged the religious leaders of his days to embrace a non-traditional form of leadership over the autocratic or dictatorial, in which the leader sought to be served than to serve! Moses

I loved reading everyone's insight on traditional and non-traditional leadership.  I learned about the various leadership models brought up in this discussion way back when I was an undergrad.    As an instructor for the College of Education I feel it is important to show future teachers that they are expected to take on the mantle of leadership in the classroom and among colleagues without a formal title. This includes actively engaging in efforts to build a shared vision and supportive culture within a school or learning environment, establish mutual expectations and ongoing communication with families, and involve the community in meeting common goals.

After teaching high school for 20 years and hearing resistance from future teachers I am not a little disappointed in the lack of commitment to take on leadership roles and the lack of knowledge of how to be an effective leader.  Yet we have been exposed to leadership models for several years.  

Cindy

Hello Moses:

I agree with you! The religious leaders' dogma at that time was repressing their people at the expense of religious rituals. Our Lord Jesus Christ was trying to inform the Pharisees of that time, "Do not allow specific rituals to detract you from loving your neighbor as yourself." As such, the Pharisees condemned anyone who performed work on the Sabbath. The basis of leadership as Jesus emulates to us all, we are to serve and do good all the time, even on the Sabbath day of rest. 

Joseph

Doug, one of my favorite experts on leadership is Tom Peters. His website is www.tompeters.com. Another great source is leadership presented by General Colin Powell. Looking forward to the guidance provided here.

Thank you

Tom

Hi Doug and colleagues,

There will always be differences of opinion whether leadership qualities are the result of nature or nurture. The qualities may be there, but by necessity they likely have to be honed. Persons, at all ages and circumstances, need to be respected, encouraged, and guided. Whatever the theory, teachers are there to help with the process. Progress occurs because persons are not afraid to move forward. As teachers we are leaders who can help them find the way. It was once said and still holds true that successful teachers are surpassed by their pupils.

Thanks

Ray

Thank you all!  Tom mentioned Tom Peters above.  I have another Tom I would like for you to watch.  Here it is!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wtHZdCkI3Q 

Thank you for your service Tom!  I spent 2 years in Korea during the Vietnam years.  

Thanks Tom.  I have read that.  It is amazing what we can learn from all leaders!