Reflections of Leadership

A521.9.4.RB

In Chapter 12, Denning explicitly describes his dimensions of leadership. Reflect on those dimensions and how you expect they will impact the way you lead in the future. Include specific examples of how at least THREE of Denning's dimensions’ manifest in your own application of leadership.

Being an interactive leader means having the ability to be multi-dimensional and actively involved with those whom you lead and the environment in which you and they operate in. In many cases, this is easier said than done. Denning (2011), through the art of storytelling has provide valuable tools for leaders to inspire and influence others into action that the traditional method of management fails to achieve.  “The use of narrative opens up leadership capabilities that are not available to someone operating solely in the traditional management mode of command, control, regulation, and optimization” (Denning, 2011, p. 269). Furthermore, Denning (2011), provides the following dimensions of an interactive leader:

·       Works with the world rather than against it: The leader is capable of understanding how the world/environment around them works, how it affects them & others, and the nature ebb and flow. They are not fixed in one position, but are flexible and can leverage their skills fluidly. They understand that traditional incentives and rewards are not suitable for an ever changing and dynamic environment.   

·       Both adds and subtracts elements from the leadership palette: The leader uses their abilities to enhance their effectiveness in the traditional management structure by the use of creative skill. Furthermore, they are able to steer clear of creating a toxic environment by serving only the bottom-line.

·       Builds on personal integrity and authenticity: Leaders that are genuinely concerned about other’s wellbeing, ideas, and success create teams and organizations where others are more willing to be adhere to the leader’s values and direction. Such a leader fosters relationships build on trust and respect.  

·       Doesn’t depend on the possession of hierarchical authority: The leader isn’t solely reliant on their positional power, but on their skillful ability to inspire and influence others with active engagement.  

·       Benefits from an understanding of the different narrative patterns that can be used to get things done in the world: The leader’s ability to evoke their teams/organization’s imagination of achieving success by innovation and creativity is a result of their skillful storytelling and highly developed emotional intelligence.

·       Entails active participation in the world rather than detached observation (p. 270): In order for the leader to understand and know their environment and those in it, they must be an active participant oppose to being detached and separated from it.

Of the dimensions Denning (2011) provides, I believe the three that will manifest in my leadership are:

·       Works with the world rather than against it: Having been a leader in the military and in State government, I know firsthand that there are many circumstances that are beyond anyone’s control. This is where I believe that I am at my best. Having a clear direction and a firm grasp of the “bigger picture” has propelled my to achieving success in my personal and professional life. This has allowed me to challenge others to get the most out of them and at the same time give them the benefit of the doubt when they stumble. I believe that this process is important because it forces me to be agile and always looking for leadership tools to employ in various situations without being limited in thought and practice.

·       Builds on personal integrity and authenticity: I believe that every leader should possess and exercise some level of integrity and authenticity if they are to be the example. As a former military officer, this method of leadership was (and still is) expected in every facet of one’s personal and professional life. Moreover, it’s important to me that everyone I deal with knows what type of person I am and that I will deliver complete effort require of me; because I expect the same.  

·       Entails active participation in the world rather than detached observation: I have always enjoyed being a “hands-on” leader. I want those that I lead to know that I am not asking them to do something that I haven’t done or would not do myself. Actively participating with others in whatever situation is necessary, they can count on me to be there with them.

Reference

Denning, S. (2011). The Leader's Guide to Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative (J-B US non-Franchise Leadership). Wiley. Kindle Edition.