This week I am going to see the new Transformers movie with my daughter. Three weeks ago we saw the new Terminator movie. Yes, I like science fiction and yes, I like a good sequel. And yes, technically the Terminator movie is a sequel to the sequel of a sequel to the original. No, I am not enamored with sequels, but if I liked the storyline and enjoyed the characters the first time around, then why not revisit them in a new adventure? A good sequel is a chance to explore new action, reveal hidden plot lines, all while maintaining enough continuity to satisfy the returning viewer and be entertaining enough to enthrall audience members who are new to the storyline.
So it is in that spirit of the sequel that I revisit the objective of last week’s blog: Leadership is Art. Cue the appropriate background music and cut to the flashback…Leadership is Art…an artist produces work that provokes an emotional response…an effective leader also deals in emotions by communicating a universal vision that inspires followers to perform with a renewed passion. Referring to someone as an artist is a high level compliment, just as the term leadership is the epitome of the concept of management.
Ordway Tead (now there is a name for you…Ordway), a noted scholar in the field of management, titled one of his book’s The Art of Leadership. Tead speaks of the value of having a vision; “The mere presence of a sound purpose is obviously not enough. It must be felt to be sound by all. In other words it must be surcharged with a dynamic emotion, with a hopefulness, with a will to win and an abounding robust sense of joy in the job” (p. 98). This was originally published in 1935, but if it were re-issued today then it would rise to the top of the charts, becoming the required text for leadership programs. Find yourself an old copy via Amazon for $4 (or at your local university library) and you will discover that much of today’s leadership literature is just rephrasing the work done a century ago, but missing the eloquence and enthusiasm.
But lets get to the issue that has been rattling around my brain for the last week: Leadership and Art; both words are nouns, although both connote action, which should classify them as verbs. I may be getting out of my league here (as I was sick the week they taught grammar, syntax, and speeling in school) but it really seems that leadership should be classified as a verb. Art is synonymous with creation and stimulation, so is leadership. Leadership means influence, action, accomplishment. Leadership is not static; let me rephrase that: effective leadership is not static. Today in education, progress, growth, and reform are the keynote attributes of leadership. Leadership is action!
Leadership is a verb.
Leadership is a verb because it is intimate with action (for full disclosure I must state that I am influenced by the title of a poem by Buckminster Fuller titled God is a Verb). The hope is that the actions of the school's staff is in response to a vision that is so well crafted and communicated that they respond with a visceral sense of purpose. The education of our youth is far too serious a concern for there not to be deep joy and laughter. If however, we perform our jobs without emotion, if our actions are merely robotic responses conveying standardized educational practices, then we are surely losing the battle for the souls of our pupils. Leaders are at war with the machine-like compliance to external standards. Leaders must take action to instill a sense of purpose that will drive reform in turbo gear. If you are listening to this message, then you are part of the resistance…you are an artist.
Make a good day,
Tod
PS. Terminator Salvation, trailer: http://terminatorsalvation.warnerbros.com/
PSS. Transformer: Revenge of the Fallen, trailer: http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/transformersrevengeofthefallen/transformers_trailer_large.html
PSSS. God is a verb: http://wholeearth.com/issue/1010/article/194/god.is.a.verb
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