Greenleaf is right. Creativity separates the leader from the good manager. If a person does not think creatively, he can simply follow an SOP---standardized operating procedure. He can follow a template someone else developed. Good managers follow SOPs quickly and effectively. But leadership must occur to succeed where there's no standardized way of dealing with a situation. Good leaders use creativity to come up with a path no one came up with before.
Chris,
Thanks for the thoughts. Creativity is what makes leadership and followership interesting and meaningful. It is definately something we need more of.
I think one of the best leadership examples comes from Alexander the Great. Man, he was fearless and put up with every hardship his men had. Read about him.
I really like the creativity piece of this quote and its relationship to leadership. I do believe good leadership is founded in being creative. But I found it ironic that he goes on to say that "every once in a while, a leader finds himself needing to think like.." because if we consider the majority of great leaders, they are and were scientists, artist, or philosophers(poets) before they were esteemed as leaders. It was their creative push in their respective field that distinguished them as a leader. And caused others to be 1)influenced by them 2)follow in their endeavours. These leaders like any other are only as relevant as their ability to manage. Because if they cannot manage, their life, fame, stress, etc. their visions and creativity will fall by the wayside. Thus I do not knock managers, rather consider them as "finite focused leaders" and if they remain so focused they remain a manager, destine to a limited sphere of influence and ability. But they have just as much potential to lead. Why? That is ecause, leadership is influencing others, and managers certain influence others whether through policy or practices.
Thanks for the opportunity to discuss the topic. Ammon
Elmo,
Thanks for the suggestion on Alexander The Great. When I get a chance I will look into his leadership methods.
Ammon,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Balance seems to be the key to good leadership.
Tom
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