\u201cProve it through the alignment between your words and your actions. Prove it by standing up for what’s right. Prove it through measurable tangible signs of progress. Prove it through your own experience. Prove it through your phenomenal successes. Prove it through your glorious failures. And prove it all on these three levels:<\/p>\n
Whenever humanly possible, make sure that your actions and behaviors live up to and reflect the words and ideas, promises and commitments that come out of your mouth.\u201d[1]<\/a> The first leadership book that truly inspired me is, The Radical Leap: A Personal Lesson in Extreme Leadership by Steve Faber. Faber\u2019s voice gave me a sense of boldness.<\/p>\n In exploring Simon Walker\u2019s<\/em>\u00a0book,\u00a0\u201cLeading Out of Who You Are: Discovering the Secret of Undefended Leadership,\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0I remember the same sense of excitement I felt when I first encountered Farber\u2019s work in 2008.<\/p>\n The Undefended Leader refers to a leader who operates from a place of authenticity, vulnerability, and openness. Such a leader is not guarded or defensive but embraces their true self. Walker\u2019s book resonated with me, and I found myself pondering the questions he posed at the end of each topic.<\/p>\n \u201cThink of your life as a leader like a journey.\u201d<\/em>[2]<\/a> This statement invited me to embark on an interesting voyage. I was curious to find out about me (my leadership destination, the powers I exercise and my ego patterns):<\/p>\n 1-What will I pack, what will I need to make it to my destination?<\/strong><\/p>\n What provisions did Nehemiah and Esther packed for their respective journeys? And what essentials did the disciples pack when they were summoned to spread the good news two by two? Nehemiah, Esther and the disciples were destined for specific journey. Nehemiah started his journey with prayer, Esther started her journey from a place of not knowing and while the disciples questioned their abilities to preach the good news. They all packed a bag \/ sack of courage to make it to their destination. It takes courage to confront fear and not give into it.<\/em>[3]<\/a><\/p>\n I am not a light traveler – I meticulously plan my travels, ensuring I have all the necessary essentials to make my as smooth as possible. As a leader, I recognize that my journey requires deliberate preparation. The essentials I will pack include (but not limited to) faith, courage, skills, knowledge, values, and qualities, each a compass guiding me on this transformative path.<\/p>\n Walker stresses that leadership is about who you are, not what you know or what skills you have.[4]<\/a> Absolutely!\u00a0Leadership transcends mere knowledge and skills.\u00a0While expertise and competencies are valuable, they serve as the foundation.\u00a0Who is Shela?\u00a0 <\/strong>My character, values, authenticity, and emotional intelligence form the essence of my leadership.<\/p>\n Consider a symphony conductor – His\/her technical knowledge of music theory and conducting techniques is essential, but it is their passion, ability to inspire, and connection with the musicians that truly elevate their leadership. Similarly, a business leader armed with industry expertise can steer a company, but it is his\/her integrity, empathy, and vision that shape the organization\u2019s culture and success.<\/p>\n 2-What kind of power should I exercise?<\/strong><\/p>\n Different situations call for different kinds of powers. The undefended leader does all he\/she can acknowledge the exercise of power, and the flow of power in an organization, and to make them both explicit and accountable.[5]<\/a>\u00a0 This statement emphasizes that an undefended leader actively engages with power, understands its flow, and ensures transparency and accountability in its use within the organization. \u201cPersonality Power, Resource Power, Experience Power, Expert Power and Positional Power\u201d[6]<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n For me, it is about adapting these powers based on the task. In my daily work, I predominantly exercise \u2018expert power\u2019 – A subject matter expert (SME) who procures services and equipment for hydro power generation plants. So, claims, Walker, \u2018Expert power derives from having a great degree of relevant expertise than your colleagues.\u2019<\/p>\n Characteristics of Expert Power:<\/p>\n Application in Leadership:<\/p>\n Balancing Expert Power:<\/p>\n Walker describes four ego patterns: Shaping, Defining, Adapting, and Defending that form during our childhood. These patterns influence our drives, fears, and needs as leaders.[7]<\/a><\/p>\n 3-Which of the four ego patterns do I most relate to? <\/strong><\/p>\n As I observe these four ego patterns, the one that resonate the most with me is the \u2018The Defining Ego.\u2019 I do not handle failures easily, but that does not mean I want to win at all costs. I do agree that I live in the future, I worry about tomorrow. As a result, I often reside the scriptures, Matthew 6:34, \u201cTherefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.\u201d<\/p>\n In summary, Walker\u2019s book encourages me to lead fearlessly, drawing from the wellspring of my authentic self.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Steve Farber, The Radical Leap: A Personal Lesson In Extreme Leadership<\/em>. (Chicago, Kaplan Publishing, 2004). 174.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> Simon P. Walker,\u00a0Leading out of Who You Are: Discovering the Secret of Undefended Leadership<\/em>. (Carlisle, UK: Piquant Editions Ltd, 2007). 35.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> All scripture citations are taken from the NIV translation unless otherwise noted.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> Walker. 17.<\/p>\n\n
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