Simon Walker… Part 2
This book is the second part of Simon Walkers Trilogy. Simon Walker looks at the concepts of power within leadership and explains the eight strategies of power that an organization can adopt. I did find it interesting that a majority of the leaders that this UK based author chose was from the states. Although I do recognize that they can be classified as a world leader from each impact the individuals had across the globe. I wonder if there was another leader that would provide representation from multiple continents.
Abraham Lincoln and the Foundational Strategy (U.S.)
- Laying out the backstage of your theater of operations for your team.
- Set your boundaries and agreements, rules and expectations.
- You make your space a safe space for people to be in it – by allowing people to live and work in the front stage.
- The stronger the backstage is, the more freedom and flexibility you will have in the front stage.
Implementing a RSC Strategy:
- Make sure that Clear expectations are set and everyone is on the same page.
- Delegate to each member clearly.
- Allow each member to take responsibility for behavior
- Allow each member to take responsibility for their actions.
Franklin D Roosevelt and the Commanding Strategy (U.S.)
- Channel Fear
- Big enough to stay in control
- Heavy Control on the front of the stage – avoids the back of stage
Implement a PSC Strategy:
- Establish your presence
- Command attention
- Take Control
- Be Authentic
Ronald Reagan and the Affiliative Strategy (U.S.)
- Motivate instead of restrict
- Exciting visionary
- Keep Strong Foundations on the back of the stage
Implement a PWX Strategy:
- Encourage the sharing of ideas for whole team growth.
- Responsibility for learning.
- Foster a Culture of Affirmation
- Create Shared spaces
Jimmy Carterand the Serving Strategy (U.S.)
- Be Instinctive
- Pay consistent attention to the back stage
- Serve First
Implement a RWX Strategy:
- Identify with individuals by being involved
- Make space for silence
- Don’t Intervene
- Show confidence in difficult situations
Winston Churchhill and the Pacesetting Strategy (U.K.)
- Likely not a tolerable leadership strategy
- Limited Durations
- Utilize every source and fiber to win
Implement a PSX Strategy:
- Use yourself to motivate and inspire others
- Use praise and rewards
- Set goals
- Standards should be explicit
Martin Luther King and the Visionary Strategy (U.S.)
- Reformative
- Destabilizes the familiar
- Strong Backstage
Implement a RSX Strategy:
- Highlight the current problems without solutions
- Provide opportunities to dream
- Provide vocab that will redefine
- Provide opportunities to build community
Nelson Mandela and the Consensual Strategy (S.A.)
- Strengthen spaces in between people
- Cultivate and embed structures
- Conditions are necessary
- Monastic Community
- Gather on the front stage. Relies on a backstage that they are confident in
Implement a PWC Strategy:
- Overcome divisions and build trust
- Belonging and Commitment
- Collaborative Learning Environment
- Collaborative thinking
Jesus and the Self Emptying Strategy
- Fully engaged
- Fully Committed
- Fully Present
- Leader is willing to suffer without being overwhelmed
Implement a RWC Strategy:
This is the only chapter that does not include an implementation.
How to make sure that you have mobility in leadership:
Being able to master each strategy independently will be important. That will include learning to use them. Take notes when you are implementing them so that you can learn from your experiences. What worked, what didn’t work? Practice. Practice again. Serve your team and serve them well! The most important facet is to remember to be patient.
About the Author
Alana Hayes
Alana is a mother to four beautiful children and wife to a farmer in Texas. She is an avid world traveler with a heart for both the world and education. She is the president of the nonprofit Against the Grain Texas where they focus on providing education to children overseas and at risk adults in the states. To date the nonprofit has given almost $100,000 to individuals around the world. In her free time she loves spending meaningful time with people and reading to further her personal education.6 responses to “Simon Walker… Part 2”
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Alana,
I thought it was interesting that the majority of leaders Walker chose were American as well as opposed to European leaders as if he were writing for a primarily American audience. It was an odd bit in my mind.
I wonder why! Next time we see him we can ask! Or maybe we can put in a list of questions if he does a talk again!
Alana,
Considering the diverse array of leadership strategies presented by Walker, from Abraham Lincoln’s foundational approach to Jesus’ self-emptying strategy, how do you envision integrating these varied methods into your own leadership practice, especially in situations that demand adaptability and flexibility?
I think that they are all really important and we can take a little out of each of them to make a strategy that works for us. For example with Abe… Boundaries are always a good idea. For Jesus’s its always a good idea to be as engaged, committed, and present in every scenerio that you come across!
Alana,
Great summary of the leaders and styles. Which of the leaders do you resonate with the most?
I think I use a little bit of all but I could definitely be more efficient!
Abe- Boundaries
Frank- Establish Presence
Ronald- Affirmation
Jimmy- Constantly analyzing
Winston – Explicit Standards via Manuals
Martin – Building community
Nelson- Collaborating
Jesus – Always putting our employees needs first, even when it hurts and we miss out.