Comments on: 5 Qualities to Successful Leadership Through NOT Leading

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[...] 7. 5 Qualities to Successful Leadership Through NOT Leading [...]

By: Martin

Martin — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:26:17 +0000

@AGC, thanks for mentioning that article. It was an interesting, thoughtful read.

Hopefully many of you reading will have access to Harvard Business Review online through your uni accounts. Alternatively, try digging out a copy in the library. The Level 5 Leadership article is well worth getting hold of.

By: AGC

AGC — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:01:25 +0000

Collins talks about this, which he calls “Level 5 Leadership.”
See Collins, J., “Level 5 Leadership: The Triumph of Humility and Fierce Resolve,” Harvard Business Review, January 2001, pp. 66-76

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:17:09 +0000

@Elisabeth, I think the problem is when some people imagine ‘management’ and ‘leadership’ to be the same thing. You can have pushy and overbearing management, but I’m sure very few people would follow someone who tries to lead that way.

@Kelvin, I know what you mean. Sometimes it’s just down to popularity. I know one or two people who don’t focus on their skill. Instead, they are likeable individuals who inspire other people who DO have the skills. These people can be a real driving force in leading a project, even if they don’t have the tools to do it themselves.

This is perhaps why there is a lot of confusion between management and leadership. It can be subtle, but there’s definitely a difference.

By: Kelvin Oliver

Kelvin Oliver — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:00:18 +0000

I know some leaders aren’t really the leadership type. Some people who have a leadership position is a person of popularity or where majority of the followers vote for that person based on how they know the leader whether than the skills and influence.

By: Elisabeth

Elisabeth — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:35:12 +0000

I would like to second Kelvin. Leadership I think is too often equated with qualities that actually make you a pushy, overbearing jerk, not a good leader.

Excellent advice!

By: Martin

Martin — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 07:06:43 +0000

Thanks for the kind words, Kelvin. I consider these five aspects to be the building blocks upon which strong leadership can be achieved. It doesn’t end with these qualities, but it can’t grow without them.

By: Kelvin Oliver

Kelvin Oliver — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 23:16:00 +0000

I really do like this post. I have not read too many posts on leadership. I like the statement “A successful leader DOES NOT act like a leader.” It connects with the qualities of a leader that you list and overall this is a very good post. I admire the ideas and beliefs.