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Psychology and Leadership: Flow and Goals
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| Guest post by: Gary Jordan, Ph.D. |
Article Overview: According to the Perceptual Styles Theory, there are six different psychological styles that have everything to do with who we are and the way we see the world. While traditional notions of leadership encompass only a few of those styles, each of them possesses a unique set of leadership qualities. In this article, we examine the leadership qualities associated with the Flow and Goals styles.
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Psychology and Leadership: Flow and Goals
In previous
articles about the Perceptual Styles Theory and leadership, we examined the
five qualities of effective leaders, regardless of Perceptual Style. Now, we’ll
look at the unique leadership qualities of each specific Perceptual Style,
along with some real world examples of each.*
The Flow Leadership Style
Leaders with the Flow Perceptual Style challenge the
generally accepted meaning of the word ‘leadership.’ They suggest,
encourage, and endorse specific actions; with a word here and a comment there,
they gently nudge the direction of events. People with the Flow style tend to
seek input from everyone involved, build consensus, and secure buy-in before
taking action. They value community and create it around them.
Because those with the Flow style lead so subtly and
unobtrusively, others are often unaware they have been led. Flow leaders
attract followers through listening and advising; people follow them because it
feels right to do so.
Flow
leaders often gravitate to “behind the scenes” roles and shine the spotlight on
their followers instead. Consequently, it’s hard to find real world examples
that are well known, but some that come to mind are political leaders Jimmy
Carter and Mary Parker Follett, psychologist Carl Rogers, and religious leaders
Mother Teresa and the Dalai Lama.
The
Goals Leadership Style
Those with the Goals Perceptual Style exist on the opposite
end of the spectrum. They epitomize traditional notions of leadership, boldly
and courageously setting sights on new directions, taking decisive action and
steering a confident path toward the future.
Individuals
with this style tend to charge ahead with any endeavor, rallying those around
them with exhortations to heroic action and self-sacrifice. They make quick
decisions and move into action assertively and confidently, taking advantage of
opportunities as they present themselves.
Leaders
with the Goals style do not hesitate to tell others directly what needs to be
done and what they want each person to do. For this reason, they may elicit
resentment when there is no crisis at hand—but when chaos and confusion arise,
this style tends to be respected and welcomed.
The
Goals person’s clear direction and confident demeanor provides a focal point
around which others rally. They attract followers because their dominating
style provides practical direction and action when the answers may not
otherwise be clear.
Examples
of Goals leadership are abundant, as those with this style are drawn to the
spotlight. Goals leadership is exemplified in actors such as Clint Eastwood and
Katherine Hepburn, military leaders like George S. Patton, and political
leaders such as Winston Churchill and Dick Cheney.
*It
is impossible to determine another’s Perceptual Style (PS)by observation alone.
This is especially true for public figures. The examples provided ‘appear’,
based on their public behavior, to be the PS for which they are used as
examples. However, without a complete Perceptual Style Assessment, their
particular PS is simply an educated guess.
Article Tags: business, coaching, leadership, psychology
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About the Author: Gary Jordan, Ph.D. RSS for Gary's articles - Visit Gary's website Gary Jordan, Ph.D., has over 27 years of experience in clinical
psychology, behavioral assessment, individual development, and coaching.
He earned his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California
School of Professional Psychology – Berkeley. He is co-creator of
Perceptual Style Theory, a revolutionary psychological assessment system
that teaches people how to unleash their deepest potentials for success.
He’s a partner at Vega Behavioral Consulting, Ltd., a consulting firm
that specializes in helping people discover their true skills and
talents. For free information on how to succeed as an entrepreneur or
coach, create a thriving business and build your bottom line doing more
of what you love, visit www.YourTalentAdvantage.com
Click here to visit Gary's website Working HandinHand The Importance of People in Your Business When Everyone Is Right Whos Wrong Uncovering the Mystery of Perceptual Styles Business Development What is Perceptual Styles Theory And How Does It Work The 6 Perceptual Styles What We Value and How We See the World The Vision Style My Way or the Highway The Power of Perception |
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