It's all about me, isn't it?
Harvard Business Review this month reports through the work of Scott Spreier, Mary Fontaine, and Ruth Mallow, that leadership can run amok if leaders are driven only by achievement. They actually open their paper with the statement, "If you believe too many executives think, 'It's all about me,' you're right." Their research shows that when leaders' motivations are driven by an overwhelming desire to achieve more that others, they create neutral or even demotivating climates. Contrary to this, leaders who are achievement oriented, but also have a need a strong need for affiliation and power create strong or energizing work environments.
One other interesting aspect to their work. They are finding that a need for achievement has grown since 1988 while the need for power has diminished. What's it all mean.. our we creating demotivating climates today? How can we help strong achieving employees shift their focus from personal achievement to a more empowering style as they become leaders?
Posted at 11:46AM Jun 07, 2006 by mowen in General |