Gina Folk
stated that effective leadership occurs when the leader puts themselves on
other people's shoes (2015). While I’m not entirely sure if the academic
field is my long-term career path, I know that I’d like to bring up the importance
of understanding people wherever I end up. Many times throughout my life, I’ve
came across customer service representatives that were feeling agitated, and
often rushed to get the job done. After receiving their usually awful service,
I often wonder how they thought their way of doing was acceptable, and whether
they ever think about their customers. Prakash Singh stated that simply having
the ability to perform tasks is never enough, and that it is critical for
leaders to be aware of their surroundings (2014).
As leaders,
it is important to keep in mind that people is what makes leadership possible.
Relationships, along with communication are like parts of a machine- without
it, things won’t run smoothly. Because of this, it is important to meet the
people’s needs and wants as much as possible. As Stephen Denning mentioned, an
interactive leader works with the world rather than against it (2011). This is
perhaps one of the most important dimension Denning stated. While a leader has
the role to lead, it is important to avoid being too manipulative since this
can stress people out. For example, when I make degree maps I really want many
of my students to follow the patter I’ve suggested. Rather than being direct, I
explain to them the importance and reasons behind the list of classes, as well
as make it clear that these are only my recommendations. With explanations, I’m
sounding less commanding, but could have the students follow.
Building
personal integrity and authenticity, and disregarding hierarchical authority
are two other dimensions that I constantly consider daily as an academic
adviser (Denning, 2011). Although I have some higher authorities than a student,
I always disregard my status and instead blend in with the students as much as
possible. By engaging in conversations with the student, I can gain further
information outside of advisement. For instance, as staff, I’m only told that
you need to take all the math and English courses before taking a research course.
When engaging in conversations with my students, they can talk about their
experiences and tell you that business statistics heavily revolved around the
research course. This was something I haven’t been told initially, and in the
future, I could use that information for future advisement. In addition, I’m
also a current student. I’m one of them. By sharing my personal experiences, my
students and I are going back and forth- gaining new information, and at the same
time develop stronger relationships due to our common interests.
Long story
short, the key to effective leadership is to blend in with your people as much
as possible. By blending in, leaders and followers can relate to one another-
establishing stronger relationships. In addition, putting oneself in others
shoes allows additional information to be absorbed: which can enhance the
overall leadership.
References:
Denning, S.
(2011). The Leader’s Guide to
Storytelling: Mastering the Art and Discipline of Business Narrative. San
Francisco, CA: Josey-Bass.
Folk, G. (2015). Put Yourself In Other
People’s Shoes. People Leadership. Retrieved from http://peopleleadership.com/put-yourself-in-other-peoples-shoes/
Singh,
P. (2014). Employees’ use of empathy to improve their job behavior. The International Business & Economics
Research Journal (Online). Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/docview/1525361493/abstract/2F2815C3B74C411EPQ/1?accountid=27203
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