One of my assignments this quarter is to conduct a leadership/management style assessment. I took the self-assessment portion of the questionnaire and I have to admit that I’m a bit surprised. Overall, the assignment is a good exercise for me– I’m learning how to become more comfortable with myself. Often times, I would see someone I admire and I’d try to emulate them, hence, my nickname of Chaumeleon. Through a series of unfortunate events, I’ve come to learn a bit more about my adaptability, or lack thereof. Anyways, this is a very roundabout way of introducing another one of my favorite quotes. I am most drawn to management styles that don’t take all the glory for themselves. I guess it’s not exactly a good style for gung ho Corporate America, but I’m sure it has its place somewhere.
“To lead people, walk beside them … As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honour and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate … When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!’” – Lao-Tsu
