REFLECTIVE JOURNAL SESSION 6

Pre-workshop

In today's rapidly evolving world, traditional images and development models of leadership are outdated. This was highlighted by a study involving 4,000 companies, which revealed that 58% faced significant talent gaps in critical leadership roles, despite extensive training programs.

The speaker, who has spent 25 years studying leadership, noticed a disturbing trend: many companies still lack effective leaders despite investing heavily in leadership development. This led to the decision to travel and study effective leadership practices globally, learning from figures like Nelson Mandela and nonprofit leaders making significant impacts with limited resources.

From this research, the speaker distilled key characteristics and practices of successful leaders, identifying three critical questions that define effective 21st-century leadership:

1. Where are you looking to anticipate the next change? This question emphasizes the importance of being proactive and aware of potential discontinuities by analyzing one's calendar, interactions, and readings to prepare for future changes.

2. What is the diversity measure of your network? Effective leaders build diverse networks that include people from various backgrounds and perspectives, enhancing their ability to identify patterns and find innovative solutions.

3. Are you courageous enough to abandon a successful past practice? Great leaders are willing to take risks and embrace new ideas, even when they face resistance or skepticism.

These questions highlight the need for leaders to be forward-thinking, build diverse relationships, and take bold steps. Traditional leadership programs often fall short because they rely on outdated success models. In contrast, great leaders prepare for the unpredictable realities of today and the unknown possibilities of tomorrow. They stand out by adapting to a global, digitally-enabled, and fast-paced world.

1. SIVA Café: Love All, Serve All

• Video Summary: Seva, or service, is the selfless giving of oneself for the betterment of others and the world around. At Seva Café, the concept of service takes the form of a "pay it forward" restaurant, where every meal is cooked and served with love.

• Key Takeaways:

• Service and Community: The video highlights the importance of selfless service and community engagement. Seva Café embodies a model where acts of kindness are paid forward, fostering a supportive and compassionate community.

• Collaborative Effort: The café operates on the principle of collaboration and trust, where volunteers and customers alike contribute to the success of the initiative.

• Sustainable Model: The pay-it-forward model is sustainable and creates a ripple effect of generosity and goodwill.

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2. Social Enterprise in Action - Kere Kere Community Café

• Video Summary: Kere Kere Community Café in Melbourne, Australia, operates on a similar "pay it forward" model, emphasizing the importance of giving without expectation.

• Key Takeaways:

• Community Impact: The café demonstrates the significant positive impact a business can have on the local community by promoting a culture of giving and support.

• Innovative Business Model: Kere Kere’s approach to business challenges traditional models and encourages customers to contribute to the well-being of others.

• Social Responsibility: The café fosters social responsibility and ethical business practices, highlighting the potential for businesses to drive social change.

3. Trusting Teams

• Video Summary: This video explores how to create an environment where people can work at their best. It emphasizes that leaders are responsible for the people who are responsible for the results.

• Key Takeaways:

• Building Trust: Trust is the foundation of effective teamwork. Leaders must create an environment where team members feel safe and valued.

• Overcoming Invulnerability: To build trust, team members must overcome their need for invulnerability and be open to sharing and collaboration.

• Leadership Responsibility: Leaders are not directly responsible for results but are responsible for the people who achieve those results. Effective leadership involves supporting and empowering team members.
  

4. Board of Innovation: Team Canvas

• Video Summary: The Team Canvas is a strategic framework that helps team members align on a common vision and start innovation projects smoothly.

• Key Takeaways:

• Team Alignment: The Team Canvas tool is designed to help teams align their goals, motivations, and roles, leading to better collaboration and productivity.

• Conflict Resolution: By using the Team Canvas, teams can identify potential conflicts and address them early, ensuring smoother project execution.

• Cultural Development: Regular use of the Team Canvas can help shape a positive team culture and enhance overall team performance.

5. The Top Qualities of an Agile Leader

• Video Summary: This video spotlights several viewpoints on the characteristics an agile leader needs for successful transformation.

• Key Takeaways:

• Adaptability: Agile leaders must be adaptable and flexible, capable of responding to changing circumstances and challenges.

• Empowerment: Empowering team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work is crucial for fostering innovation and agility.

• Purpose-Driven: Agile leaders are driven by a clear sense of purpose and mission, which they communicate effectively to their teams.

Reflections on Key Takeaways:

• Importance of Community and Collaboration: Both Seva Café and Kere Kere Community Café highlight the value of community engagement and collaboration in creating sustainable business models.

• Building Trust: Trust is foundational for effective teamwork. Leaders must create environments where team members feel safe and supported.

• Agile Leadership: Adaptability, empowerment, and purpose-driven leadership are crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern work environment.