Topic talk:Leadership and strategy

I feel like I'm getting in on the ground floor here. I hoped to add my experiences about leadership to an ongoing discussion about leadership theory. All I found is a "no page exists" message prompting me to create one. I'm a first timer. If I understand correctly I am typing in a discussion forum, not adding learning material per se. After some discussion, several of us might hammer out some relevant text on the subject suitable for adding to Wikiversity proper.

Well, here goes...

Among other things, I believe a good leader has a direction in mind. A goal that is of interest to others as well. Through his or her energy and passion to achieve such goals, the leader is seen by other interested parties as the one who will help them all realize said goal. In this way a mutually beneficial relationship develops where the leader depends on his or her followers for support and the followers depend on the leader(s) for direction. If successful, The whole group achieves its objective. Thomas Jackson 00:54, 22 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Yes, your understanding is spot on. Generally, page names with "talk" on them are not content pages, but are generally used as a forum. Feel free to create pages as you see fit. I don't usually frequent the leadership pages, but I'll offer some of my thoughts too. A good leader knows how to make good use of subordinates - for want of a better word. It would be interesting to characterize how leadership manifests itself on a Wiki, I think. --HappyCamper 01:22, 22 June 2007 (UTC)

OK, we're on a roll! I can see part of the leadership curriculum being a list of attributes of a good/great leader each accompanied with a discussion of its meaning and examples of their application. So far we have...
 * A shared vision
 * Ability to spot and utilize certain talents from among the constituents of the organization Thomas Jackson 01:41, 22 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Actually, since we are trying to experiment with using Wiki as a unique medium for teaching, it wouldn't hurt to create a subpage where newcomers could go to and simply list/compare/discuss attributes of "effective/ineffective" leaders, etc...Another provocative thought: Leaders should recognize their place in bureaucracy and properly act as a mediator for those "above" and "below". --HappyCamper 01:59, 22 June 2007 (UTC)

Well put Happy! 'You know how to start that subpage?


 * I'll add that a good leader maintains a high level of confidence among the group. They have to believe that you really can deliver the attainment of the desired goals of the group. They have to be convinced that you are talented enough to complete the mission and that their efforts, sacrifice, help, and support will not be squandered or wasted. Thomas Jackson 02:09, 22 June 2007 (UTC)

Aside from the attributes of leadership, we should discuss the various environments in which leadership exists, such as voluntary and involuntary. Also the scope of the goals involved such as one time accomplishments after which the group disbands and perpetual goals like those in a business cycle. Thomas Jackson 02:17, 22 June 2007 (UTC)

A good leader understands what motivates his people. It ain't all about money. Also, a leader can discern those who are internally motivated from those who are externally motivated. Thomas Jackson 02:33, 22 June 2007 (UTC)


 * I put the subpage at Topic:Leadership and Strategy/Brainstorming... --HappyCamper 02:44, 22 June 2007 (UTC)