A study just released by the Kellogg School of Management suggests why convincing the boss is difficult. Their research suggests that with power, leaders assume that others' perspectives are the same as their own, and that their power inhibits empathy.
The study does underscores the paradox of leadership in this era of the individual, as sociologist Zygunt Bauman calls our modern times. Individuals expect leaders to be actively integrating the individual's views and needs, not "delivering on a vision."
In our times, people are willing to follow, but only in as much as the activities of "the leader" support the formation of their own lives. This "individual" orientation extends to the company, the product, the service, civic life and the education a person chooses to engage with.
In other words, people operate in a "catch and release" mode today. Ties are very loose. Bauman calls us all "liquid."
Superimpose this very real societal shift onto leaders who operate as if their perspective is the landscape, and well, let's just say there is a very big disconnect.
To be modern leaders - in anything - this individualist expectation ought to be a driving factor in our leadership strategies. The social web just happens to be a very effective tool to help leaders get individual insight and to manage us liquid beings.
Convincing the boss isn't any easier just because you know the survey says they can't help it. Perhaps the secret lies in getting them to see that they can't see...?
Photo credit: jonny2love
