Homework Again: Leadership Styles

[genderjumper]

A response to this assessment vis à vis leaders we have personally known.

I had three mentors when I worked in Washington, D.C. They each influenced and inspired me in distinct niches: one professionally, one personally, and one metaphysically, but they all shared similar qualities as leaders (and were, in fact, all directors at the organization). I think what first drew me to them at the time was a casual insightfulness: not only were they learned and perceptive about the shared world in ways that I could not discern at the time, but they were also each very open and diplomatic with their thought processes: you always knew where you stood with them and you always knew why you stood there. I never saw any of them angry or even particularly irritated, just shrewd and prepared. I wanted that kind of poise.

Knowing what I know now, I absolutely believe they were all participatory leaders (which was my result in the Leadership Style Survey) and what I saw then as insight was actually just a honed humility: they knew what they were capable of, they knew what partners and opposition were capable of, and they came to every conversation prepared for both the best and the worst case scenario without being attached to the outcome: they fought for what they thought was best, they listened and negotiated, and they accepted the results. There might have been some compromises along the way, but I don’t think I ever saw them “lose” in those spaces, and indeed I think another way to describe “participatory” leadership is “noncompetitive”, which is a core value we all shared with the organization that employed us. We’re not looking to “win”, we’re trying to help everyone succeed.

Comments

[flamingsword]

Re: music. Which harpsichord hottie? I know of Tori Amos and Emilie Autumn, but if there are more, I would absolutely like to give them a listen!

I got 24:

You lean toward a democratic or participative style of leadership. You tend to set the parameters for the work and have the final say on decisions, but you actively involve your team members in the process. This style can build trust between you and your people, as they'll likely feel engaged and valued. But it's not great in a high-pressure situation that requires a fast turnaround, as it will slow you down. And, if you dislike disagreement or conflict, you might struggle with how people respond to consultation. Read more below.

But I will have to read more in a bit. I’m about to make myself do the cost-benefit analysis on all of my options for next year. This may take … a while.

[genderjumper]

Same. Good luck on the analysis? I've been tinkering with different models for 5 years and haven't settled on one yet... but I think we're looking in different places so not sure how much help I'd be anyway.

Oh, I've not heard either of them on harpsichord! I asked YouTube for Harpsichord music and got some Bach jams played by this "classical music 'sex symbol'": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Rondeau_(musician). The album covers looks like this:

This French harpsichordist fuuuuuucks.

[flamingsword]

*listens*

[flamingsword]

https://youtu.be/MjkIwqJ0xH4?si=BhYKYFIJ7o5Pz8c0

[genderjumper]

Well that was fucking delightful. I remember following EA on MySpace, but I'm not sure I ever tried out her music. All of my love for dark cabaret went into Amanda Palmer until she managed to blog herself out of reality and I haven't (yet) looked back for more. Further recommendations welcome!