Mastering Leadership

Chapter 9 Reactive Leadership at Work: From Patriarchy to Partnership

In the last chapter, we showed how Reactive Mind is structured and how it generates the predictable pattern of returning to normal. We showed how this structure is not mature enough to lead transformational change. In this chapter, we will build on that by showing how leadership, functioning collectively from a Reactive Mindset, has a natural tendency to establish patriarchal organizational structures and cultures. We will also show, as we try to transform these cultures, how they tenaciously reestablish themselves, unless we lead them from a Creative Mindset. To understand this we need to delve more deeply into the nature of the dynamics that play out when leadership teams come together and lead reactively.

MOVING FROM PATRIARCHY TO PARTNERSHIP

Since most organizations are still led predominantly by men, and since most cultures are heavy on top-down control, we tend to create cultures of Patriarchy. Patriarchy evolved in times when most of the population was illiterate. The over-controlling tendency of patriarchy has its place when the workforce lacks the basic knowledge and capability required. It also works well in times of crisis and business turnarounds. It may well be the optimal structure for these situations. However, the global consensus in developed economies is that to compete in today's complex business environment and fulfill on the Promise of Leadership, we need to move toward cultures of ...