NCJ Number
143252
Journal
Houston Police Department Leadership Journal Dated: (October-December 1992) Pages: 27-32
Date Published
1992
Length
6 pages
Annotation
American corporate reliance on the assumption that leadership cannot be taught or learned is hindering progress in developing an effective leadership cadre. This author maintains that the current crisis in management is a result of the general inability to accept leadership as a nearly undefinable art rather than a neatly rational science whose formulas can be learned and recited.
Abstract
Five great myths of leaders and leadership have arisen: the "great person" theory, the leader's charisma, the rarity of leadership skill, the existence of leaders only at the top of an organization, and the need for leaders to prod and manipulate others. Four strategies of effective leadership found in successful organizations include the creation of an articulate agenda for action, communication of desired visions, development of trust for the leader's positions, and deployment of self through positive self-regard. "Heroic management," in which managers feel they must always know what is going on in the organization, have superior skills to every subordinate, be able to solve all problems, and be the primary person responsible for the department's operation is passe, according to this author. In contrast, the post-heroic manager will build a shared responsibility team, continuously develop individual skills, and determine and build a common department vision.