What is Political Leadership? Political leadership is following and understanding concepts based on political processes. Deal (2009) writes “that Political leadership requires familiarity with the strategies and tactics of power and conflict”. (p. 171)
8 points to consider
Those following the political leadership structure should not skip steps, should not make hasty decisions. As Trost (2009) states “those in leadership positions to often skip step one, decide something in step two and assume that a decision will automatically be carried out in step three.”(p. 168). Skipping steps in the plan makes things worse.
What is Poetical Leadership?Poetical or symbolic leadership places importance on symbolism in that leaders promote the ideas that define an organization. In symbolic leadership leaders often are modals of an organizations’ culture and values. Deal (2009) says “…it appears that what is often dismissed as cosmetic fluff may be the real stuff of an organization.” (p.175)
To understand the influence of symbolic leadership, leaders such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela are perfect examples of this style of leadership.
Seven key points
Deal, T (2009) Poetical and political leadership. In Davies, B (2nd Ed.) The Essentials of School Leadership. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Question:
Provide an example of poetical or political leadership in your current or previous work place. How has either style of leadership affected your work ethics? Was it effective in inspiring you and others or did it leave things in chaos and unresolved? Please explain.
8 points to consider
- Map the political terrain-“Mapping helps the shrewd leader make out subtle differences between a clear field and a minefield before taking action.” (Deal, 2009)
- Consolidate your power base- “information, expertise, who you know, control of resources, charisma and coercive force. These other bases of power can augment authority.” (Deal, 2009)
- Lay out a clear agenda- “A clear sense of where you want to go increases the chances that you will get there.” (Deal, 2009)
- Move when the time is ripe- “In politics timing is probably ‘not everything’, but it is close.” (Deal, 2009)
- Use information as ammunition- “Information is power. Sometimes gathering data helps those in leadership positions reach the right decision.” (Deal, 2009)
- Use structure as a political asset- “Using structure as an asset, like all political tactics, requires an accurate appraisal of the political terrain.”(Deal, 2009)
- Befriend Opponents- “Politics revolve around relationships. It I hard to predict whether who is against you one day will become important ally the next.” (Deal, 2009)
- What is right is often relative- “what looks right to someone is often viewed differently by others. Knowing when to hold and when to bend or fold is an important part of political leadership.” (Deal, 2009)
Those following the political leadership structure should not skip steps, should not make hasty decisions. As Trost (2009) states “those in leadership positions to often skip step one, decide something in step two and assume that a decision will automatically be carried out in step three.”(p. 168). Skipping steps in the plan makes things worse.
What is Poetical Leadership?Poetical or symbolic leadership places importance on symbolism in that leaders promote the ideas that define an organization. In symbolic leadership leaders often are modals of an organizations’ culture and values. Deal (2009) says “…it appears that what is often dismissed as cosmetic fluff may be the real stuff of an organization.” (p.175)
To understand the influence of symbolic leadership, leaders such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela are perfect examples of this style of leadership.
Seven key points
- Revisit and renew Historical Roots- “However accomplished, it is essential that people know the genesis of their way of life. Only through the stories of the past can they embrace and appreciate the present… Frequent trips down memory lane keep cultural lore alive.”(Deal, 2009)
- Convey cultural values and beliefs- “Cultural values articulate what an organization stands for and offer employees a higher calling, a belief that they are contributing something of value.” (Deal, 2009)
- Recognize heroes and heroines-“the extraordinary words and deeds of common people doing uncommon things signify core values. Heroes and heroines are living logos who set an example for others.”(Deal, 2009)
- Convene and encourage rituals- “Ritual is human activity with a deeper purpose of connecting us to ourselves, to others and to cultural values that are hard to capture in words…Changing a ritual can damage individual or cultural identity.”(Deal, 2009)
- Celebrate key events- “From time to time, people need to gather in special events. Some are convened in times of great triumph or accomplishment.”(Deal, 2009)
- Speak in picture of words- “Symbolic leaders rely on metaphor to connect with their audience and make their point.” (Deal, 2009)
- Tell stories- “stories delight and entertain. But they also carry and instill values and morals. Symbolic leaders encourage weavers of colourful narratives…” (Deal, 2009)
Deal, T (2009) Poetical and political leadership. In Davies, B (2nd Ed.) The Essentials of School Leadership. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Question:
Provide an example of poetical or political leadership in your current or previous work place. How has either style of leadership affected your work ethics? Was it effective in inspiring you and others or did it leave things in chaos and unresolved? Please explain.