Insight from the Void - 1002

...

In my writings and talks, I like to refer to the old adage, ‘Leadership is influence, nothing more and nothing less’. Hence if you examine the process of leadership, you will find that leadership, as we know it is a combination of Motivational Theories and Personality Traits of the Leader.

It is interesting to note that today’s Leaders and most Schools of Management still practice and adhere to Motivational Theories and Theorists of the old, the likes of Schein – Rational and Economic Man of 1770s or McGregor - Theory X on human behaviour from the 1960s.

In my workings with different organisations, especially those at management or senior management level; it is shocking to observe that the culture and attitudes of the leaders foster the views and belief of Douglas McGregor on employees.

Douglas McGregor Theory X
“Employees are inheriting lazy, requiring coerced and control, avoiding responsibility and only seeking security”

With this sort of assumption about their people, I find it strange that management should wonder why it is that they can’t seem to inspire and motivate their employees.

Leadership Thoughts

1. Leaders are naturally honored when their words are taken seriously.

2. When you are honorable, your employees’ will obey even if you are not stern.

3. When your employees’ are impressed, things get done even if no order is given.

4. The astute and the dense each naturally put across their minds. Small and great each exert their effort.

5. As a leader it is essential to be generous towards your employees’ while being prudent with oneself

Fojian Zen Master

IME (c)