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Round Table Discussion Cont...

TOPIC 3: Deepen our understanding - about Leadership

I have included images from my collection taken during my fieldwork across Australasia as an analogy to think deeper about the above feature of this discussion.

Professor Oliver's commentary highlighted that considerable research has been undertaken on the topic of Leadership. Her view is that,  'nothing is yet stable in this area and the need for Deepening our understanding - about Leadership' in the context of contributing to society. On reflection if each person present was asked what their perspective was on this I sense that their views and thoughts would have been contrasting and diverse. Just like the canopy of trees below.

Diversity of trees found in the Rumataka Ranges in New Zealand.
In the context of the above we can only imagine what lay
 beneath this canopy.
What do these trees teach us about Leadership and Responsibility
and what is it about this particular environment that allows
it to flourish and remain stable?

On the other hand, I sense that a consensus would have been reached on Professor Oliver's follow-up statement on, 'Leadership - needs to be reputable whatever you do'. 

As the Head of the Harry and Sylvia Hoffman Leadership and Responsibility program which applies the practise of,  'Focusing on responsibility alongside cultivating leadership' through personal responsibility by volunteering a minimum of 2 hours per week'. Leadership consists of the 'internal set of values and is associated with a strong conviction regarding goals and beliefs. 

Leadership and Responsibility for me is like two peas in a pod. Leaders applying their leadership skills in various forms while at the same time applying a collaborative process within their organisations, communities or service provision to ensure that the benefits enable, empower and are supported by the required resources. Each aligned with the other.

My curiosity with this particular tree in the Carnarvon Gorge
Queensland was, how did these two trunks merge?  
In the context of this discussion I now think more deeply about the 
lighter brown section of the trees trunk which resembles a natural 
cross pollination has occurred which has strengthened it base.

The synergy between two peas in a pod, cultivating leadership through personal responsibility and my interpretation of the above image - that a natural cross pollination may have occurred - opens up space to reflect and think more deeply about Leadership and Responsibility within our society. The question that emerges out of this discussion comes back to the research undertaken about Leadership and that nothing is yet stable in this area.

The trees in these images have taken years to develop and the environmental conditions have been consistent for them to flourish over a long period of time. If research, education and programs remain focused on cultivating leadership through personal responsibilities then the offshoot of that will strengthen and provide stability around Leadership - over time.  However, what the environment informs and reminds us that any changes to that consistency of focus or conditions will have consequences.