After my last blog about shared leadership I received many votes and many positive reactions. Especially about leadership that can be found everywhere at any level in an organization. Most of the readers agree that leadership is not just a function where you sit, but is more about what you do and how you do it. What do leaders do? Leaders are busy with networking, innovating, coaching and leading by example. These activities are done with great passion while taking responsibility at the same time.
In my opinion, traditional hierarchies are getting more and more replaced by networked- or social organizations, where organizational networking, learning and innovativeness are important drivers such as Husain et al. (2016) demonstrate. To achieve this, organizations need leadership which can be found everywhere in the organization. It is important however to communicate on what topics we want to be leading the organization and how we are going to co-operate with other leaders.
Literature
Husain, Z., Dayan, M., & Di Benedetto, C. A. (2016). The impact of networking on competitiveness via organizational learning, employee innovativeness, and innovation process: A mediation model. Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 40, 15-28.
Photo credit: LiveLuvCreate
Norbert Bol 