Becoming an Invitational Leader

The timeless question people in authority frequently ask themselves is, "How can I gain the cooperation of those in my care so that our group can function more smoothly and effectively?" Drs. Betty Siegel and William Purkey, two highly respected authors and thinkers in the field of education, answer this question most effectively in their text entitled Becoming an Invitational Leader. The authors present a convincing argument that the only true way to gain the cooperation of others is by "invitation only". Showing trust, understanding and respect is what truly frees people to want to do their best and to cooperate with those in charge. Intimidation and coercion, commonly used approaches, are not effective and eventually will prove to be counter-productive. The basis of their premise is the belief that there is only one actual motivation inside humans and that is an internal drive and desire to realize one's own potential. In short, we all want to be more, to self-actualize and to put our talents to good use by committing to something beyond ourselves. This commitment cannot be forced, however, but only volunteered. Hence, the more leaders are viewed as caring, respectful and supportive, the greater their chances of releasing the talents and energies of their associates. Those in authority must first begin by making others feel valued if they hope to gain respect and cooperation in return. The first step toward effective leadership is a wise, grounded sense of self. This means a commitment to finding one's own center and core values. In the spirit of Thoreau, Emerson and other sages, Purkey and Siegel direct the leaders inward with the belief that one cannot empower others without first empowering oneself. These two scholars present various ideas for cultivating all aspects of life from the physical and psychological to the spiritual and intellectual. This inward journey includes an emphasis on self-care, "Only by caring for ourselves can we find the strength and wisdom to care properly for others," as well as the timely reminder of the importance of balancing one's personal and professional life as, "nurturing our closest relationships always takes precedence over professional success. Another important step toward effective leadership is for the leader to present a vision of what a successful organization looks like. Before workers can be expected to commit, they must know exactly to what they are committing. Presenting such a vision is all part of the leader's responsibility of setting the proper environment. The authors are strong advocates of the "canoe theory" which states that "people are less likely to bore holes when they are in the boat with you." Treating people with trust, respect and care is the approach that will move people to embrace the company's vision and to take on the individual and collective responsibility for the successes and failures of the organization. The end result is a group of self-actuali