October 21 st 2011
This Intensive explores an alternative to the currently prevailing (and failing !) style of leadership which could be described as ‘provocative’. Nevis (1987) contrasts it sharply with ‘evocative’ leadership:
‘Evocative’ is a type of leadership characterised by minimum effort and maximum impact and avoiding the traps often experienced in leadership:
- micro-managing
- lack of motivation in the management team
- short term thinking
- espousing authoritative and outdated leadership models
- inability to work working across cultural difference (a major feature of global organisations)
The Latin route of the word mean “to call forth”. In line with this evocative leadership calls forth the spirit of other, empowers them to fulfill their life purpose in work. Pearce describes it as recognizing human needs, where leaders are closer to workers, communicative better and are more vulnerable. In line with this Leygraf (2008) describes “intimacy” as the primary feature of a function board of directors in the future.
Nothing in the plethora of MBAs prepares a leader for this. Instead leadership is largely defined in opposite terms: needing to control!
What are the core areas of competence in evocative leadership and management?
- being present
- intentionality
- foresight
- transformation
Seminar participants critically examine existing models of leadership and juxtapose this with newer types. They familiarise with evocative types of leadership and acquire basic skills aligned with this type of working. Basic Gestalt interventions skills are reviewed and taught.
