In his book Leadership: theory and practice, Peter Northhouse describes leadership as a “process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.” (Northouse, 2016. pg. 6). While there are many complexities involved when a person is placed in leadership over a group, Northhouse (2016) simplifies this by describing their relationship as a process. Both leaders and followers are dependent on each other and must work together to achieve a common goal. While a designated leader is crucial, the idea of process allows for members of the group who are followers to take ownership of the common goal and contribute to it. In this way all of the skills and knowledge of the group are leveraged and the overall ceiling of potential in regard to the goal is raised. For this to happen leaders must influence through well developed personal power. (Northouse, 2016) That is, leaders must influence by forming effective relationships built on respect and trust and continually equip themselves to serve those they lead.
Without a group there is no leader. Both parties in this relationship must work together in a way that accomplishes a goal that is greater than either of them. Followers must always be valued and empowered to develop personal goals which align to support the greater common goals of the group. How then should a leader respond to an individual who is no longer working toward the common goal?
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: theory and practice (Seventh ed.). Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
You have highlighted a key component of leadership related to inspiring or influencing others to work together toward a shared vision or goal. You write, “In this way all of the skills and knowledge of the group are leveraged and the overall ceiling of potential in regard to the goal is raised” which reminds me of the (somewhat corny) definition of TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More.” I’m wondering how you see the intersections between individual accomplishment and team accomplishment. Do you see individual team members completing their own individual tasks, together achieving more? Or do you think shared accomplishment also involves shared work? Or, do both strategies play a role in accomplishing a shared goal?
— Leadership Prof
Thank you for asking some challenging questions. If you are able to use a TEAM analogy then a sports response could be equally as corny. For a sports team to be successful in completing even one play, then each member must successfully execute their role. While they are each focused on their own task, if they are successful, everyone benefits from their work. In the context of my school environment, our ultimate goal is to carry out the vision of our school which involves equipping children to make an impact in their world. As any one teacher is successful in achieving her goals and experiences growth it could be seen as an individual accomplishment. The greater effect though is that she has created greater opportunities for students, perhaps inspired other teachers, probably shared her work within our local professional learning community and therefore made an impact on the “team” thus enhancing our ability to accomplish our goal. I have seen that this builds momentum and shared conversation and leads to teachers working at individual tasks who end up achieving more because of each other. Work does not necessarily have to be shared but requires collaboration or at least communication so that it is complementary and leads to team accomplishment.
Excellent points about the ways a teacher’s individual achievements affect others — not only their students, but also within the professional community. Certainly educators can influence students well beyond the time they are actively involved in their lives.
Thanks for sharing your thinking!
— Leadership Prof