In ancient times the totem pole was a symbolic expression of past generations. It supplied info about a tribe’s identity–a kind of linear -understanding of generations that came just before them and the leaders who showed them the way. It enforced group solidarity and supplied a essential relational context to their lives.
The totem pole was worshiped and ritualized. The history of a whole tribe could be understood by this one particular linear expression. Symbolic communication, as a group organizing process, is also identified in law firms. Law firms proudly list their partners’ names on letterhead and post them on doorways. Often some of the names are symbols of the previous–a lasting recognition of these who came ahead of as well as these who are presently carrying the torch of the firm’s traditions into the future. This symbolic communication portrays the history of a firm’s leader-ship and is an indicator of predicted overall performance. But what takes place when the firm’s past is forced to yield to the firm’s future? When it becomes essential for the firm to reinvent itself and set out new organizing principles that match its vision–when the old belief method is no longer in sync with the requirements and demands of changing markets and clients? Most firms are facing this challenge right now, and some are not even aware of it. The partners I spoke with clearly recognized the need to re-invent themselves or danger sacrificing development and prosperity.
Are You the Leader?
Who amongst you will lead the charge? This is a very individual decision that must not be taken lightly. It will rely not only on your own willingness to take on the challenge, but also on the willingness of the key partners who make up most of the power base at your firm.
If you are up for the challenge, accept this understanding and get on with major. If not, come across the particular person in your firm who is prepared and capable to lead and present that individual all the support you can. You are going to quickly comprehend that the excellent and commitment of your support for this person will be recognized as an essential form of leader-ship in its own correct.
The Genetics of Leadership
It is been stated that some folks are born leaders. That may well be true, but for most of us, leadership is an acquired skill that comes from our mind-set and our want to impact optimistic modify. Similarly, men and women are not born extraordinary. Instead, they opt for to achieve extraordinary issues.
As lately as 2003, scientists found that our all-natural traits are not “set in stone.” (See Matt Ridley’s Genome and Nature by means of Nurture.) Rather, our genetic code–specifically the code accountable for our brain function–is neither unchanging nor unchangeable. As we respond to the challenges and stimuli in the world, so do our genes. Depending upon our demands and the degree of our determination, various formulations of our genetic code are activated. This outcomes in the emergence of a new pattern of genetic instructions. Contrary to what scientists formerly believed, our genes stay active, malleable and fluid throughout our lives.
Until these discoveries have been produced, the received wisdom was that the traits that allow us to believe like lawyers or strive for excellence or find the courage and charisma to lead were handed out to us–or not–at birth. It was taken as reality that our neural makeup was primarily dictated by the genetic code we inherited from our parents. If we have been fortunate adequate to have inherited “sensible” genes, it was anticipated that we had been destined for greatness if the opposite happened, we were destined to be the village idiot.
In reality, the cause so handful of of us break out of the mold is not due to genetics at all. It’s because of the truth that, strange as it may sound, most of us surrender to our strengths rather than engage our weaknesses. If we tend to be naturally gifted in mathematics, we gravitate toward mathematics. If we show an early talent in the arts, we gravitate in that path. It really is merely easier to rely on our current strengths than it is to develop new strengths from scratch.
Psychologist and theorist Carl Jung described this irony in his book Psychological Types:
“Experience shows that it is hardly feasible for any-1 to bring all his psychological functions to simultaneous development. The quite circumstances of society enforce a man to apply himself initially and foremost to the differentiation of that function with which he is either most gifted by nature, or which supplies his most powerful means for social achievement. Incredibly frequently, certainly as a general rule, a man identifies himself much more or much less fully with the most favored, hence the most developed function.”
Considering the fact that Jung’s time, however, neuroscientists have found that the human tendency to follow the path of least resistance is not merely ironic but counter-productive. swimming pool accident lawyer know that the brain grows stronger, building at a significantly greater level, when we force ourselves to consider in new and distinct methods.
Until now, you could not have believed of yourself as a leader. But that is no cause to think you cannot become a single if your motivation is sturdy sufficient. The initially question to ask your self is this: What does it mean to be a leader?