Matt Grant, 2010, NPSLBA Programme

Background Info…

• This presentation is loosely based on the stream of

organisational psychology known as

‘bioenergetics’ – the most well-known advocate

of this is Alexander Lowen.

• It also links in with Daniel Goleman’s theories of

leadership styles.

A Disclaimer…

• There are no set types of personality.

These labels merely point to clusters of

identifiable leadership characteristics –

which tend to become more

exaggerated during periods of pressure.

• Ultimately at some point every leader

can think and behave in the ways

outlined.

+ Potential:

•Setting a new direction, changing direction.

•Securing quick turnarounds & acts of rescue when a team is

in crisis. •Viewed as a respected commander-in-chief the ‘go to

person’, the ‘can do person’.

- Potential:

•A tendency to view conflict in black and white terms of ’my

way vs. my surrender’ - leads to alienation of key team

members, particularly those who are growing in status.

•A strong pre-occupation with self-image that can distort

difficult decisions.

•At risk of compromising own well-being and personal code of

ethics to maintain absolute power.

Loosening The Hat:

•Getting to know your lieutenants, trusting your lieutenants…

•Developing listening and negotiation skills…

With my clear plan of action I will lead

us to success….

…just don’t get in my way!

a

f

+ Potential:

• Analysing and applying theory – lateral thinking.

• Creating a long-term vision, mapping out the steps to get

there and who/what is required along with way. • Viewed as an eminent senior professional the ‘problem

solver’, the ‘expert’, the ‘advisor’.

- Potential:

• A tendency to appear aloof and detached, finding

interaction and crisis more tiring than others do.

• A strong pre-occupation with gathering knowledge and

qualifications as a way of feeling secure and competent.

• At risk of their analytical mind turning in on itself, becoming

overwhelmed with rumination & procrastination.

Loosening The Hat:

• Actively managing ‘downtime’ and ‘uptime’ in terms of

both private reflection and interaction…

• Developing mindfulness strategies…

Through knowledge of the field I will

lead us to success….

…just don’t invade my space!

b

g

+ Potential:

•Coaching and cajoling others.

•Developing new members of staff, nurturing a team. •Viewed as a trusted senior colleague the ‘mentor’, the

‘loyal servant’, the ‘agony aunt’.

- Potential:

•A tendency to avoid confrontation by holding back

legitimate opinions – and to be overly forgiving of failure.

•A strong pre-occupation with ‘looking after’ others and

‘doing right by’ others.

•Can eventually become weakened, stifled and resentful due

the dependent relationships they have shaped.

Loosening The Hat:

•Deciding on minimum expectations of others and making

individual responsibilities clear at an early stage…

•Developing strategies around assertiveness…

By bringing others along with me I will

lead us to success….

…just don’t dislike me, please!

c

h

+ Potential:

•Facilitating dialogue and participation.

•Bringing a team together following a period of difficulty and

fragmentation. •As a charismatic figurehead the ‘negotiator’, the

’coordinator’, the ‘spokesperson’.

- Potential:

•A tendency to preside over disorganisation and confusion

about the collective way forward – ‘too many chiefs’.

•A strong pre-occupation with feeling connection and

closeness with others clouds their sense of independence and

personal responsibility.

•Can feel abandoned and take on the role of ‘victim’.

Loosening The Hat:

•Setting clear personal goals and sticking to them…

•Being clear about the continued need for practical

outcomes from democracy… through action plans &

frameworks…

With your continued input and support

we will lead each other to success….

…just don’t leave me stranded!

d

i

+ Potential:

• Leading by example.

• Taking on the most difficult, risky projects independently

and with relentless vigour. • As a good role model the ‘vanguard’, the ‘go-getter’.

- Potential:

• A tendency to inadvertently intimidate and unsettle less

competent or confident colleagues.

• A strong pre-occupation with winning, and being seen to

be a winner.

• Can become narrowly fixated on specific goals and take

perceived defeats personally, and during such times can

fall into judging and blaming others unfairly.

Loosening The Hat:

• Keeping goals / projects within the context of the greater

scheme of things…

• Discussing and reflectively constructively on ‘defeat’…

By beating the rivals I will lead me, and

the rest of you, to success….

…just don’t hold me back!

e

j

Matt Grant, 2010

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