Author Note
This paper was prepared for AMBA 600
Goleman and McCrimmon Assignment
Summary and Discussion
Summary: Thought leadership: a radical departure from traditional, positional leadership
The article Thought leadership: a radical departure from traditional, positional leadership written by McCrimmon (2005) covers many different types of leadership. The article compares thoughtful leadership to traditional leadership styles. In the article the writer explains the differences between the several types of leadership and explains why thoughtful leadership is the best form of leadership.
Shared leadership is described as when all members of a team contribute equally to the success of the team. The problem with this type of leadership occurs when the group no longer has a need for a leader. This typically happens when a team is self sufficient. They are able to achieve their goals with no guidance. Leadership at this point only negatively impacts the group. The group is successful not because the group lacks leadership but due to the overabundance of leadership. Each member of the group brings their experiences to the group allowing the team to be successful.
Sometimes within a shared leadership organization disruptive leadership can occur. Disruptive leadership occurs when a member of a team takes charge of a group with no formal authority. This can cause major problems within the organization. Often times the productivity of the team will go down. The team will also decrease its chances for innovation. Innovation is essential for a team to be successful.
For these reasons the writer argues the point that thought leadership is the best form of leadership. Unlike the traditional style of management, thought leadership breaks down the barriers of typical management. The main idea behind thought leadership is to break away from the norm. Thought