Leadership to make a difference
BEYOND AUTHORITY — Leadership in a Changing World: Julia Middleton; Palgrave Macmillan, New York and distributed by Book World Enterprises,9, Dr. M.B. Velker Street, Kalbadevi Road, Mumbai-400002. Rs. 895.
M. S. S.Varadan
This book is about moving from the secure corporate world into leadership positions in the unchartered territory of civil society. It is woven around the successful experiences of the author who is the chief executive of Common Purpose, which runs community-based leadership development programmes in over 50 cities in the U.K., Europe, Africa and India.
“Leading beyond authority” refers to moving away from the inner circle of authority which is fortified with power, budgets and so on for the leaders who work in the corporate field. The outer circle is where the society comes in, wherein more things are done through influence exerted by leaders by virtue of their networking abilities.
Outer circle
Persuasive arguments have been presented as to why those with leadership capability can develop it much better when they move into fresh territory. People move into the outer circle because they want to make a difference. Aptly George Bernard Shaw has been quoted “This is the true joy of life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.” Interesting cases have been cited. Dealing with ambiguity is another important factor. The leaders have to leave behind the “instinct to tidy everything” and be able to create something out of chaos.
An interesting portrayal of the positions in the “outer circle” that one can take has been depicted as rebel, transformer, useful idiot and expert idiot (drawn from an East German phrase). “Useful idiots” take the view that it is better to stay in a post and try to affect what is going on around them from within and continue to do so at any cost. “Expert idiots” know a huge amount about a tiny aspect and are treated with huge respect, while no one recognises their severe limitations. The author says all positions are valid at different times and in different circumstances.
Divide
Moving into the unknown takes courage, humility, independence, passion and resonance. It’s all about networking with people with diverse interests. A welcoming culture by society is needed to develop leaders to operate in the outer circle. Inspiring examples have been provided in the book of those who have made such a transition successfully.
In fact, our country needs such leaders in plenty. There is a great divide between the corporate world and the society around. It is not only the fashionably-termed “digital divide” but leadership and organisation that should address the myriad problems in society that are crying for attention whether it is in the field of education, health care or infrastructure.
This book, a rare one of its kind, is woven around conversational pieces with those who have successfully made the move. It could be a very handy one for corporate executives and those in the organised sector with a secure cocoon around them but who have an inclination to come out of it and make a difference to the society they live in.
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