Primarily concerned with “purpose, vision, and direction,”1 leaders focus on the “‘where’ and the ‘why’ rather than the ‘how.’”2 But how does a leader accomplish such a complex and high-level task?
This seven-part series on leadership will cover leadership fundamentals and change theories; leadership theories, styles, and approaches; and guiding principles and visioning. It will also cover topics such as communication, team development, strategic planning, building capacity, and reflexivity. These articles are intended to be used together and offer a conceptual framework and guide for incorporating theory into practice. The purpose is to inspire productive and rewarding analysis of current leadership practices, with the goal of encouraging perpetual leadership growth.
Often, an adjustment in leadership approach is prompted by internal or external changes, pressures, or opportunities, or some combination of these forces. Although these reasons for change are certainly logical, they are also highly reactionary. An alternative approach...