Page 76 - Develop your leadership skills- John Adair. -- 2nd ed

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How to lead at the strategic level ■ 67

businesses and cities but it also applies to your own personal situa-
tion. Always believe that there is a better place and then persuade
people to go there with you.’

Of the seven functions of a strategic leader (see Table 6.1), which are
the ones that Terry Leahy highlights for us?

Leadership for desirable change

Change and leadership are closely linked. Change throws up
the need for leaders; leaders bring about change. As the
proverb says, ‘The bird carries the wings and the wings carry
the bird.’ You can manage the effects of change maybe, but
positive, desirable change always calls for leadership.

That principle, incidentally, not only applies to your organisa-
tion as you navigate its path forward on the turbulent seas of
change. It is true, too, of society at large. Democracy always
calls for good leaders – and leaders for good. ‘Men and women
make history’, President Harry S Truman said, ‘and not the
other way round. In periods where there is no leadership
society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skilful
leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.’

Your position never gives you the right to command. It only imposes
on you the duty of so living your life that others can receive your
orders without being humiliated.

Dag Hammarskjold