Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

 - John F. Kennedy

Beyond the texts as a whole, many theorists have left a strong mark on my thinking and behavior.  One of my personal favorite classical theorists is Mary Parker Follet.  Thinking in terms of a woman coming off the roaring twenties and into the still predominately male controlled “paternal” structure of organizations, Mary Parker Follett was beyond progressive.  She was ahead of her time in so many ways.  Not only was she an innovative woman in uncharted territory, but she made remarkable human relations and social-psychology connections before either discipline fully existed.  She promoted democratic conflict resolution and humanistic respect between workers and administration.  Follet (1987) states, “The best leaders get their orders obeyed because they too are obeying.  Sincerity more than aggressiveness, is a quality of leadership.”  Her work on relationships, shared power, and negotiation with organizations earn her the title of true pioneer.  Her entire philosophy impacts my development as a leader as does her intelligence, humanistic demeanor, innovativeness, and drive to challenge the status quo.

One of the most significant developments in my thinking about leadership came from Hargreaves and Fink’s (20005) “Sustainable Leadership”.  Prior to reading this book, I had not spent any time thinking about the importance of sustainable leadership.  I often ask myself what does a person need to do to be a good leader in a particular situation?  From Hargreaves and Fink (2005), I realized a good leader needs to think much longer term than the issues that are currently facing an organization.  A good leader must continually work to ensure that the leadership they enact will carry the organization through the future.  I believe that developing a shared vision, communication, and empowering followers, provide a strong basis for a sustainable leadership. 

These are just some of the things I will strongly follow when becoming an administrator.  

References:

Follet, M.P. (1987).  The essentials of leadership.  In L.E.Boone & D.D. Bowen (Eds.), The great writings in management

      and organizational behavior second edition (pp.49-61).  Boston:  Irwin, McGraw-Hill.