Why are we talking about collective leadership?

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

J G Wray — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 12:01:41 GMT

There is a school of thought that the most influential traits for a leader are empathy and perspective.

Empathy has been done to death already on this forum, but the perspective bit is also interesting. This revolves around being clear about what you are trying to achieve, what you want your practice to be. It is after all pretty much all you can really influence.

Trying or "aiming" to be number one or the best or the cheapest, or the most whatever has a distinct and clear manifestation of success and in the current jargon is called "finite game" outcome -the Army "Be the Best" for instance. This is deemed to be all a bit Seventies, Eighties, Nineties.

[Spoiler alert, addressing the demographic of the profession in a generational sense is coming up....]

Some practices are looking at their work in a different way, a way which can probably only be done in independent practice. The jargon for this is playing an "infinite game" where the aim might be to serve a community over time and "make a difference". The major resource of a practice, its workforce may be asked to "help make a difference together".

There is the thorny issue of profit which must be addressed, because it gives freedom to play an infinite game.

If we have a new tranche of leadership coaches who want collective or distributed leadership, "green" to "teal", because it addresses the needs and wants of the new demographic in Our World, then there's a crucially persuasive piece that they need to work out which is how a change of leadership delivers the future freedom (profit) to sustain the model. A deep understanding of business management and accounting practice for instance will be needed. The aspiration to new leadership models alone is not persuasive.

The other attribute required to achieve these changes is patience. For a generation used to gratification in a moment the length of time it takes to change the "culture and practice" may prove to be a challenge. I think it might be decades in some practices. Vet Futures eat yer heart out.

And that brings us back to dealing with the here and now, the unmodified finite game practices which are the employers for the current workforce. The workforce we are told want better well being and to find ways of staying in practice and if the culture is going to take time to become "congruent" with their wants and needs then there is an opportunity to embrace personal change to have a fulfilling career.

As previously mentioned from my perspective learning Resilience, Stoicism and Personal Organisation has no downside beyond being difficult to embrace and requiring patience.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Caroline Pearson — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 11:46:53 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]Have a look at this, particularly at 43 secs in[/quote]

Thanks for this- it's a great illustration of the necessity of going back several steps to try to understand where these problems originate. Throwing unconsidered solutions is a waste of effort if we haven't taken the time to appreciate the depth of the issue.

Ps. Already part of RSA with the aim of challenging my mind: thanks for signpost.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Edward Jones — Sun, 14 Jan 2018 09:53:13 GMT

[quote user="Anthony Todd"]

All this sounds to me like people trying to turn common-sense, fair play, hard work and other obvious things we all did, or are doing, into some sort of university degree, with a lecture career to follow?

[/quote]

I'd agree with this almost entirely, except to say 1) not everyone leads with common sense (and those who don't aren't interested in this topic anyway), and 2) it's not just a lecture career, it's a whole consultancy industry.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Anthony Todd — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 16:16:21 GMT

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:53:44 GMT

[quote user="Caroline Pearson"]

[quote user="Evelyn Barbour-Hill"] It doesn't take self-appointed re-writers of the dictionary post any date to point that out.[/quote]

I would suggest the leadership experts at Harvard BS and INSEAD may take offence there.

[/quote]

They may.

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson knew all about them.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

J G Wray — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:39:32 GMT

[quote user="Caroline Pearson"]

We have independent practices, corporates, mixed species, species specific, referral practices etc. What leadership looks like and is required for each of these is vastly different and to be worked out by the collective, leader and follower. An oath, or being professional, does not broach that.
Have we forgotten the value of veterinary nurses, receptionists, administrative staff? Do they not bring as much to the business as vets?
If common purpose could be defined by taking an oath, would all industries not simply create a similar oath and be done with it?
If oaths are the crucial uniting element, would our regulatory body be investing significant amounts of money and time into raising awareness of leadership for all (MOOC etc.)?
If we were being truly responsible, accountable, meeting expectations, would 50+% of practices be experiencing vet shortfalls? Would 80% of 5year graduates be identifying well-being as a priority for improvement, with 10% considering leaving the industry altogether?

[/quote]

Just to go back a bit.

I noticed this reply. You have posed 6 questions.

If you'd like a bit of fun then try this:

www.youtube.com/watch

and https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3706759/Gretchen-Rubin-s-Quiz-The-Four-Tendencies

and with respect to the point "..

If we were being truly responsible, accountable, meeting expectations, would 50+% of practices be experiencing vet shortfalls? Would 80% of 5year graduates be identifying well-being as a priority for improvement, with 10% considering leaving the industry altogether? ..."

Have a look at this, particularly at 43 secs in

www.youtube.com/watch

The RSA is a much older institution than the RCVS and might interest you if you like ideas about 21st Century Enlightenment. The building is also much nicer.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Caroline Pearson — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:06:46 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]If you'd like to see what a "greenish" practice looks like[/quote]

Thanks- I will do that.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

J G Wray — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 14:41:51 GMT

[quote user="Caroline Pearson"]Not my words- you'll need to ask the senders.[/quote]

If you'd like to see what a "greenish" practice looks like I'm sure we could find some time for you, or at least give you a flavour of how things are done. You can either contact me or our Marketing Manager Karol Wall at the practice or by email karol.wall@gpvets.com. If you wait until after 31st Jan we will have had a strategy meeting and our ambition, our aims and purpose for 2018 will have been given a framework.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Caroline Pearson — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 14:27:01 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]

I found this in my email

Reply by Caroline Pearson

J G Wray

It is a foreign language.

[/quote]

Not my words- you'll need to ask the senders.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

J G Wray — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 14:19:57 GMT

I found this in my email

Reply by Caroline Pearson

J G Wray

It is a foreign language.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Rob Loxley — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 13:45:30 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]

[quote user="Edward Jones"]I'm lost in the management-speak.[/quote]

It is a foreign language.

It takes time to learn and I'm ambivalent about the value in the time I've devoted to it.

[/quote]

We all spent 5+ years at vet school learning everything in medical terminology but very soon realised that expressing everything to our clients in that medical terminology was not helpful, and that we needed to express things in terms our audience understand. I've experienced vets that speak to clients in medical jargon and while the clients might think the vet very knowledgeable, they haven't understood the knowledge/information the vet is trying to communicate.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Bob Russell — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 13:38:33 GMT

Sadly my mind started wandering after the first sentence of the OP. It became completely lost by the end of the first paragraph. After that things become blurry and unreal.

The bits i do understand sound very much like teamwork, mutual respect and commonsense. Anyone with ideas should feel free to express them and be respected.

Beyond this the topic wanders into management speak.

Sorry!

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Caroline Pearson — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 11:45:20 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]Have you asked to sit in on one of Alan Robinson's Platinum Practice sessions? They've been at it a while now.[/quote]

Thanks- I am aware of Alan and his work.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

J G Wray — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 11:45:00 GMT

[quote user="Edward Jones"]I'm lost in the management-speak.[/quote]

It is a foreign language.

It takes time to learn and I'm ambivalent about the value in the time I've devoted to it.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

J G Wray — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 11:40:28 GMT

[quote user="Caroline Pearson"]the key issue is moving away from leadercentric focus and appreciating the value and creativity elsewhere. [/quote]

Have you asked to sit in on one of Alan Robinson's Platinum Practice sessions? They've been at it a while now.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Caroline Pearson — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 11:09:02 GMT

[quote user="Beats"]What do you recommend doing with the suggestions that you don't want to implement? Often staff can feel very personally insulted should they make an "excellent" suggestion and it is ignored (no matter how politely).[/quote]

This is an excellent point and one I have been on both sides of. Key is moving back a stage to emphasize the importance of establishing your organisational purpose in detail among the leader team. It then takes strategic consideration as to how best to communicate purpose with the staff and this is an ongoing consideration. Communicating purpose in itself is a two way dialogue which requires an open mind and real listening skills.

Once firmly established, if there are ideas (and there will be many) which are rejected, communicate why with respect to the organisational purpose- it keeps it less personal. If appropriate, you could ask if the person involved sees a way to adapt this idea to fit with purpose or practicality.

Unfortunately, there will be those personalities who don't like ideas being rejected even if you have communicated well throughout. These people may benefit from external coaching or internal mentoring to encourage their development of relational skills. Equally, the shy, low confidence staff may need help to engage.

Hope that helps.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

bob lehner — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 10:39:21 GMT

[quote user="Caroline Pearson"]This is where the industry has identified issues[/quote]

Oh dear - I don't really think I want to be part of 'an industry' - sounds as if I should be wielding an oily rag and stamping out flanges in a grimey Northern factory.

We used to be considered to be members of a reasonably well-educated and respected profession.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Beats — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 10:22:32 GMT

I fully appreciate that staff are a goldmine of beneficial ideas and suggestions.

I have observed though that generally there is a vocal, self-confident minority of staff who are most prolific in making suggestions when the message goes out that staff input is valued.

What do you recommend doing with the suggestions that you don't want to implement? Often staff can feel very personally insulted should they make an "excellent" suggestion and it is ignored (no matter how politely).

Before inviting limitless feedback, is it worth considering how to deal with the unwanted suggestions? If so, any general tips for this beyond being nice? The only thing more demotivating than not being listened to is, perhaps, to be listened to and then ignored or, even worse, judged wrong.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Caroline Pearson — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:53:10 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]

[quote user="J G Wray"]

[quote user="Caroline Pearson"]These are my thoughts and we are all entitled to them. [/quote]

We are indeed all entitled to Dr Pearson's thoughts.[/quote]

One of the funniest retorts I've read all year (OK, it is only 12th January).

[/quote]

When out of context, it is indeed one for the kids!

The point I was making was, while there are many "definitions" and suggestions as to the best course of leadership, the bottom line is, it needs to be worked out for each business, in context. I've put my thoughts down as to a better overriding approach and, welcome others opinions i.e. we are all entitled to them!

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Caroline Pearson — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:38:45 GMT

[quote user="Iain Richards"]If I interpret this correctly, it could be summed up by saying, "Be nice to people"[/quote][quote user="Iain Richards"] I've met very few who want to be leaders.[/quote]

YES!!!! How we treat our staff is what we are talking about here. This is where the industry has identified issues: graduates feeling unsupported, disillusionment due to poor relationships with bosses and high exit rates.

You are right- most people do not have a desire to be named a leader. Simply a desire to be respected, appreciated and feel part of the whole. If they are part of the whole, contributing responsibly, then they can play a vital role of engaged followers within wider leadership.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:34:40 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]

[quote user="Caroline Pearson"]These are my thoughts and we are all entitled to them. [/quote]

We are indeed all entitled to Dr Pearson's thoughts.[/quote]

One of the funniest retorts I've read all year (OK, it is only 12th January).

Sorry Caroline, nothing at all against you. In fact, I like your line so much, I hope you won't mind if I pinch it and use it myself in the Guthrie household (probably after proclaiming some universal truth to the rest of the family).

It's right up there with another favourite of mine: "When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you".

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Caroline Pearson — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:31:09 GMT

[quote user="Evelyn Barbour-Hill"] It doesn't take self-appointed re-writers of the dictionary post any date to point that out.[/quote]

I would suggest the leadership experts at Harvard BS and INSEAD may take offence there.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Caroline Pearson — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:27:01 GMT

[quote user="Phil Hyde"]

[quote user="J G Wray"]The result of a generic approach, called Collective Leadership is...[/quote]Chaos.

[/quote]

I assume you mean if we have a free for all? Can I emphasis, leaders retain their position of authority here. The progression is that they respect, seek and consider staff contribution and opinion without bias, preconception or ego getting in the way. They look for win-win-win: for the leader team, the staff, the business.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Iain Richards — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:26:34 GMT

If I interpret this correctly, it could be summed up by saying, "Be nice to people". My experience (so as much an anecdote as a homeopathic cure) is that people want to be treated fairly, nicely and listened to, especially if they are experienced. Most people want a secure job they enjoy and while many like to feel part of a an organisation, there are some who just want to get paid and go home. I've met very few who want to be leaders.

Changing the definition of a word to create a marketable product is potentially as cynical as me thinking that.

RE: Why are we talking about collective leadership?

Caroline Pearson — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:22:19 GMT

[quote user="J G Wray"]

For those who are interested there is an even newer concept of leadership than Collective Leadership, which, in the parlance, is “green”, called Distributed Leadership which truly blurs Leadership and Management and is “teal”

Perhaps we should all be talking “teal”

https://www.strategy-business.com/article/00344?gko=10921

[/quote]

Nice article. Whether we call it distributive/collective (and yes, I agree, the literature defines them as different), the key issue is moving away from leadercentric focus and appreciating the value and creativity elsewhere.