| Author: | Kim Box | ISBN: | 9781935953159 |
| Publisher: | Kim Box | Publication: | January 20, 2011 |
| Imprint: | Smashwords Edition | Language: | English |
| Author: | Kim Box |
| ISBN: | 9781935953159 |
| Publisher: | Kim Box |
| Publication: | January 20, 2011 |
| Imprint: | Smashwords Edition |
| Language: | English |
Introduction to Woven Leadership
It’s time to start recognizing that leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, demographics and life experiences. We must see diversity as a secret weapon to be exploited in order to build the most successful organization. And we must also acknowledge that acting based on our own authenticity is imperative to weaving together the strength of the very fabric of the organization. We will explore why diversity and authenticity are now requirements for any organization that wants to succeed.
What does diversity leadership mean to you? Attending an annual seminar to fill a Human Resources requirement? Adding a token minority to the management team? Posting a demographically diverse picture on your web site? After almost three decades of working and leading global operations at Hewlett-Packard, I am here to tell you what “Diversity Leadership” means to me and why it should be important to you and the success of your organization.
The Real Definition
Diversity leadership is the art and science of bringing people with different ways of looking at the world together to weave creative solutions. Those alternative points of view can come from growing up in different cultures, generations or business units. You see, divergent perspectives come from more than differences in race, gender, sexual orientation or age. Everyone looks at the world through the lens of his or her own personal experience. All of those perspectives can contribute to developing and implementing innovative ways of solving problems and doing business. That is why it is essential to have lots of different points of view around the table.
The most important challenge for today’s leader is to stress the positives of colorful, inclusive teams while smoothing out the wrinkles that can pop up when team members clash in approach and style. Like a modern-day Rumpelstiltskin, today’s leader has to be able to take the raw materials of varied skilled employees and spin them into the gold of an efficient organization.
A Strong Framework
This process of diversity leadership goes by many names, but I call it Woven Leadership because it emphasizes the big picture company goals while capitalizing on the unique contributions each team member makes every day.
No magic spell exists for turning straw into gold. Similarly, effective diversity leadership is not a simple sleight of hand. It is about taking the time to put in place a solid framework that brings together a well-rounded team based on trust. Individuals are accountable for reaching individual goals and everyone works for the good of the organization. Once those supports are in place, a good leader can weave in a culture based on creativity, adaptability and authentic expression. That is how effective leaders change the game to be successful in dynamic industries.
In the next seven chapters, I will share the stories from my experience as a leader and anecdotes from other leaders as the basis for stringing together strong teams. I am passionate about sharing my message that diversity is critical to any organization and its mission.
Introduction to Woven Leadership
It’s time to start recognizing that leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, demographics and life experiences. We must see diversity as a secret weapon to be exploited in order to build the most successful organization. And we must also acknowledge that acting based on our own authenticity is imperative to weaving together the strength of the very fabric of the organization. We will explore why diversity and authenticity are now requirements for any organization that wants to succeed.
What does diversity leadership mean to you? Attending an annual seminar to fill a Human Resources requirement? Adding a token minority to the management team? Posting a demographically diverse picture on your web site? After almost three decades of working and leading global operations at Hewlett-Packard, I am here to tell you what “Diversity Leadership” means to me and why it should be important to you and the success of your organization.
The Real Definition
Diversity leadership is the art and science of bringing people with different ways of looking at the world together to weave creative solutions. Those alternative points of view can come from growing up in different cultures, generations or business units. You see, divergent perspectives come from more than differences in race, gender, sexual orientation or age. Everyone looks at the world through the lens of his or her own personal experience. All of those perspectives can contribute to developing and implementing innovative ways of solving problems and doing business. That is why it is essential to have lots of different points of view around the table.
The most important challenge for today’s leader is to stress the positives of colorful, inclusive teams while smoothing out the wrinkles that can pop up when team members clash in approach and style. Like a modern-day Rumpelstiltskin, today’s leader has to be able to take the raw materials of varied skilled employees and spin them into the gold of an efficient organization.
A Strong Framework
This process of diversity leadership goes by many names, but I call it Woven Leadership because it emphasizes the big picture company goals while capitalizing on the unique contributions each team member makes every day.
No magic spell exists for turning straw into gold. Similarly, effective diversity leadership is not a simple sleight of hand. It is about taking the time to put in place a solid framework that brings together a well-rounded team based on trust. Individuals are accountable for reaching individual goals and everyone works for the good of the organization. Once those supports are in place, a good leader can weave in a culture based on creativity, adaptability and authentic expression. That is how effective leaders change the game to be successful in dynamic industries.
In the next seven chapters, I will share the stories from my experience as a leader and anecdotes from other leaders as the basis for stringing together strong teams. I am passionate about sharing my message that diversity is critical to any organization and its mission.
