Response Post #1 Week 1

Kenneth Coleman posted Oct 1, 2019 3:55 AM

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            I believe the list of sociopolitical skills incorporates most of what a new and enduring leader requires to be effective in their organization.  Each aspect is important to a leader being accepted by their peers and subordinates.  It accounts for the leader embracing the company’s values and establishing a network that provides access to resources and answers outside their scope.  However, I caution about the sociopolitical category of, sense and appropriately act on keen organizational norms.  This is because all to often a new leader or employee comes in and molds themselves into what’s already in place.  Accepting the norms even if they are flawed.  In the military its advocated to point out things that aren’t being done right or how the vision statement doesn’t align with the actual practices.  Unfortunately, it’s common to have this type of disparity in organizations today (McNamara, 2000).  It’s important that a new leader doesn’t get invested in being a part of the norm that they overlook how appropriate the norm truly is.

            I’ve seen recently promoted leaders or those who have recently changed bases who have ignored that aspect.  Even though the office their now in charge of is violating policies or processes, they accept the “that’s how its always been done excuse.  In some cases, they’ve brought their concerns to their leaders and are told to shut up and color.  It’s the new leader’s responsibility to go against the norm in this case to better the organization, even if it’s not the popular choice.  Sooner or later those indiscretions will be discovered.  It’s best for the organization to show they discovered and corrected it rather than an outside source.  This action may make it harder for a new leader in the beginning but ultimately will help them be the effective leader their employees and organization need.    

References

McNamara, C. (2000) Organizational Culture. Adapted from the Fieldguide to Organizational Leadership and Supervision. Free Management             Library.  http://managementhelp.org/organizations/culture.htm