Lifeboat Leader

Today we had an exercise called lifeboat leader. It was basically to discuss and choose in teams a leader and a deputy from the six lifeboat passengers. I thought that it is very easy to select two out of them since we had papers describing each of the passengers skills and career background, however, when came to team discussion it was kind of a nightmare. We were only 5 people and non of us had the same choice or thoughts as the others so we keep discussing our points until we reached the highest vote wins. Doing such a simple exercise showed us not only how difficult is choosing a leader, but that individuals has different expectations of leaders and they look at their leaders from different perspectives. Knowing such a valuable knowledge gives us, assuming and wishing to be leaders in future or to behave as a good follower, two things: 1) As a leader, bear in mind that followers look at you differently and your reactions toward them should be varied regarding their expectations. Leaders should be carful with their decision and should know and understand their followers needs to help in taking the right decisions. The power you have as a leader in not enough to succeed. 2) Followers as well has a role on succeeding their Leader. Although, some people think that leaders has the power over the followers, however, a good followers seems to result in good leaders. Followers role is to support and help the leader in selecting the right path and actions since it brings the benefits to the whole company, team or maybe a nation. I think it was a great exercise, very simple but clarifies many things and open the eyes on how deep and rich Leadership subject is. Really good start for the module.

Waddah Alharthi : 28 Jan 2013 22:04 |  Tags: Le |  Comments (1) |  Report a problem