Comments on: My bottom line http://www.bretlsimmons.com/2009-05/my-bottom-line/ Leadership, followership, and purpose at work Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:54:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Bret L. Simmons http://www.bretlsimmons.com/2009-05/my-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-237 Bret L. Simmons Sun, 09 Aug 2009 04:21:53 +0000 http://excel.websitewelcome.com/~bretlsim/my-bottom-line/2009-05/#comment-237 Steve: I like your thinking a lot. In many ways we are on the same page. Thanks! Bret Steve: I like your thinking a lot. In many ways we are on the same page. Thanks! Bret

]]> By: Steven M. Smith http://www.bretlsimmons.com/2009-05/my-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-236 Steven M. Smith Sat, 08 Aug 2009 23:54:00 +0000 http://excel.websitewelcome.com/~bretlsim/my-bottom-line/2009-05/#comment-236 Thank you, Bret. I hadn't heard the definition by Daft. I like it. As you point out, both the Daft and Weinberg definitions hold that anyone can provide leadership to solve a problem, which is an aspect of each definition that I cherish. Another aspect of the Weinberg definition is that leaders follow, which is part of empowerment, another person's leadership for solving a problem when that person has more skills than they do. Leading by following -- an idea that turns most people's definition of leadership on its head. Thank you, Bret.

I hadn’t heard the definition by Daft. I like it.

As you point out, both the Daft and Weinberg definitions hold that anyone can provide leadership to solve a problem, which is an aspect of each definition that I cherish.

Another aspect of the Weinberg definition is that leaders follow, which is part of empowerment, another person’s leadership for solving a problem when that person has more skills than they do.

Leading by following — an idea that turns most people’s definition of leadership on its head.

]]> By: Bret L. Simmons http://www.bretlsimmons.com/2009-05/my-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-235 Bret L. Simmons Sat, 08 Aug 2009 23:22:12 +0000 http://excel.websitewelcome.com/~bretlsim/my-bottom-line/2009-05/#comment-235 Steve: I like your definition. Environment, inclusive, open to change and improvement. It is also not leader-centric - anyone could practice leadership with given that definition. I have two definitions I like, one is in my post. Do the right thing is the first thing that comes to mind. But reasonable people can disagree on the right thing to do, that's why purpose is so critical. The other one is from a guy named Daft. Leadership is an influence relationship between leaders and followers who intend real changes that reflect their shared purpose. Influence, relationship, change, purpose - I things I see as the core of leadership. This too is not a leader-centric concept. Thanks for taking the time to leave a very thoughtful post! I always welcome your insightful comments. Bret Steve: I like your definition. Environment, inclusive, open to change and improvement. It is also not leader-centric – anyone could practice leadership with given that definition.

I have two definitions I like, one is in my post. Do the right thing is the first thing that comes to mind. But reasonable people can disagree on the right thing to do, that’s why purpose is so critical.

The other one is from a guy named Daft. Leadership is an influence relationship between leaders and followers who intend real changes that reflect their shared purpose. Influence, relationship, change, purpose – I things I see as the core of leadership. This too is not a leader-centric concept.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a very thoughtful post! I always welcome your insightful comments. Bret

]]> By: Steven M. Smith http://www.bretlsimmons.com/2009-05/my-bottom-line/comment-page-1/#comment-234 Steven M. Smith Sat, 08 Aug 2009 19:02:11 +0000 http://excel.websitewelcome.com/~bretlsim/my-bottom-line/2009-05/#comment-234 Bret, I like your attitude. And I am in 100% agreement with your principles, especially the belief that there is no substitute for performance (results). Leadership appears to play a vital role in your thinking. Aspects of it are mentioned 8 times in the post. What do you mean when you use the word "lead" or "leadership?" In other words, what's your definition for leadership. I'm curious how your definition contrasts with mine -- which I learned early in my career from my mentor Jerry Weinberg -- Leadership is the ability to create an environment in which everyone is empowered to contribute creatively to solving the problems. This definition is positively delightful to me. Helping to create that kind of (empowered) environment is my bottom line. Bret, I like your attitude. And I am in 100% agreement with your principles, especially the belief that there is no substitute for performance (results).

Leadership appears to play a vital role in your thinking. Aspects of it are mentioned 8 times in the post.

What do you mean when you use the word “lead” or “leadership?” In other words, what’s your definition for leadership.

I’m curious how your definition contrasts with mine — which I learned early in my career from my mentor Jerry Weinberg — Leadership is the ability to create an environment in which everyone is empowered to contribute creatively to solving the problems.

This definition is positively delightful to me. Helping to create that kind of (empowered) environment is my bottom line.

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