Leadership is Truly An Art By TOM HEUER

Tom Heuer

One of the operating definitions of leadership that International Leadership Associates (ILA) embraces is Vance Packard's - "Leadership appears to be the art of getting others to want to do something you are convinced should be done." It is a straightforward, inspirational definition that brings true clarity about leadership to most people. It says that people will respond and support leaders if they believe the leader is convicted about the importance of the work or project. This definition encourages leaders to invest the time and effort in gaining a commitment from their people about the project or initiative. Your efforts will be rewarded.

Now, review the definition again. People often comment to us about the phrase "Leadership appears to be the art." It is intriguing to them that "Leadership is an Art." Leadership offers mystery and suspense. It is not etched in granite like management. Leadership has no formula or equation defining its actions and responses. It opens up possibilities not yet understood or discovered. Leadership takes uncertainty and wraps it in inspiration and hope. Leadership paints opportunity for every difficult situation. Remember, Art is the expression of the heart and soul.

So, why is the "leadership and art connection" important to our clients. It offers a sense of freedom in thinking and performing not often available in corporate America today. The thought of being guided takes the handcuffs off people. It allows people to see new horizons where the sunset is defined by opportunity. Leaders paint exciting, new dawns everyday for their people. It means yesterday is over; let's learn from it and move on. Tomorrow is part of the leader's quest to bring the future into focus.

Art is also about expression and leaders pursue listening as an expression of their trust for people. People want to be associated with individuals who put their "heart and soul" into their work and who grab their passion. Listening creates the trust so passion can enter the follower's heart. So, the spark occurs, the connection happens and the art flows when the leader guides, listens and enables. And it is art so magnificent that even Picasso, Michelangelo and Monet would marvel at it.

Copyright 2000 International Leadership Associates