Barbara discussed the implications of changes in technology and culture for political leadership and followership in liberal democracies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of followers in America. She also highlighted the need for clarity in the use of language, particularly in the context of leadership and power. The group acknowledged the gap between the idealized concepts of leadership and the reality of power dynamics in the world.
There has been a shift from strong followers. We are in the time of the strong man because followers were getting stronger, and leaders were getting weaker. The U.S. is not alone in this recent shift to the right.
"People have different ideas of what makes a good or bad leader" which has gotten in the way of progress.
Pedagogy has remained behind - "most leaders are followers much of the time", and yet we aren't teaching the other half.
There is oftentimes a conflation between leader and manager.
Barbara on Political Leadership and Followership
Barbara discusses the implications of changes in technology and culture for political leadership and followership in liberal democracies. She notes that leaders are having more trouble getting elected and staying in office, while autocrats are becoming more repressive in response to these changes. Barbara emphasizes that the role of followers, both those who go along and those who resist, is arguably more important in America now than ever before. She is working on a new book focused entirely on followership.
Power Dynamics in Organizations
In the meeting, Barbara discussed the importance of understanding the power dynamics in organizations, emphasizing that the hierarchical nature of human societies cannot be changed. She also highlighted the need for clarity in the use of language, particularly in the context of leadership and power. Jacqueline agreed, noting the confusion between power and leadership, and suggested the need to decouple these concepts. The group also acknowledged the gap between the idealized concepts of leadership and the reality of power dynamics in the world.