The problem with any young leader is that they do not have the time or experience under their belts to label them as credible leaders. This greatly inhibits the young leaders attempt to challenge the process. If an older, more experienced leader challenges the process he is seen by many as being forward thinking and innovative because of his credibility. However if a young leader was to challenge the process many would view him as being radical because he does not have the experience that many look for in a leader, especially one who is challenging the process.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Challenging the Process
Patch and Gandhi are both excellent examples of leaders who challenged the process. The similarity between both of these individuals, when challenging the process, is that they implored new innovations and solutions to a problem or process that had already been addressed numerous times. Gandhi used peaceful militancy as a means of revolt. Gandhi truly was a pioneer. Rather than inspiring the people of India to revolt violently as so many people have done in the past, he inspired his followers to revolt peacefully claiming that it will lead to true progress. Patch sought a new method to treating patients. Rather than look at the problem he looked at the solution. Both Patch and Gandhi's methods were new and radical. In order to get others to follow in their footsteps they had to devout themselves willingly to their new conventions and be ready to pay a steep price for them.
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I think it is interesting how you have centered on confidence here, Dillon. I can not disagree that confidence is key -- but I would also suggest that a lot of time, behind the appearance of confidence -- leaders are as uncertain of the future's course as is anyone else. What they tend to possess, I think, is a courage to ford ahead regardless of any lingering doubt they might have. Good thoughts here, though.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I think I posted the above in the wrong spot! As for your CTP post, another good, thoughtful contribution. CTP is not always about being first or most innovative, though Gandhi and Patch evidence this clearly. Often, challenging the process is simply about being relentless in your pursuit for a better way to do something. As you begin your future beyond Parish, see how you can bring value to a person or organization by thinking hard about how to improve a process ever so slightly at first...
ReplyDeleteNice thoughts on young leaders...I think you are exactly right.