Book Extract

A model of integrative leadership

In 1977, when Abraham Zaleznik first suggested a difference between managers and leaders, the North American fascination with leadership development was born. Since that time, thousands of books, articles and millions of sites on the Internet have become available for those interested in pursuing the subject.

The concept of leadership appears on the surface to be very complex. So great was the complexity that Warren Bennis often lamented that there are as many theories and definitions of leadership as there are authors of leadership books. In an attempt to simplify this apparent complexity, management and leadership researchers from the past 50 years have categorised the hundreds of theories available into three approaches—trait, behaviour and contingency.

Theories of leadership

The "Great Man" (trait) theory observes leaders' traits, characteristics and competencies, with an underlying belief that natural leaders are born and not made. To become a great leader, such as Winston Churchill or Eleanor Roosevelt, you can try to imitate their traits and characteristics and you may become better, but you will never be quite like them, for great leaders are born and not developed. The ‘Adaptive Man’ (behavioural) theory notes that leaders learn, change and adapt their behaviours in response to changing environments. The underlying belief in this theory is that leaders are bred and not born.

The ‘Emergent Man’ (contingency) theory advocates that leaders rise to the occasion, circumstance or situation as required. The underlying belief is that the right leader will emerge as and when needed. To be a successful emergent leader. such as Rudolpho Giulliani, the former mayor of New York City during the 9/11 World Trade Center tragedy, you must always be prepared and have practiced a plan for every foreseeable contingency within your area of influence.

The fourth spiritual and sacred theory, contained in the thousands-of-years-old histories, parables and myths of the world's wisdom and mystic traditions. Wilber defines wisdom traditions as non-dual philosophies that are built on Oneness that is evident in Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Judaism, among others. These wisdom and mystic traditions gave birth to many of the world's greatest visionary, inspirational and universal principle-centered leaders whose enduring impact continues to ripple and influence the world today.

In our experience, there appeared to be something essential missing in the scientific (outside-in) approaches to leadership development. There also appeared to be something practical missing in the spiritual (inside-out) approach to leadership development. Although the parallels and connection points had been observed and documented, there still appeared to be a discernible gap that served to separate rather than integrate these two fundamental perspectives.

Excerpt from 'Integrative Leadership' by Richard John Hatala and Lillas Marie Hatala. Published by Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt Ltd, licensees of Pearson Education in South Asia. Price: Rs 499