Leadership in an Anxious World
Article Summary:
A current challenge for leaders is to be able to acknowledge gray zones as reality, be willing to stretch themselves to think in creative, non-linear ways that are outside of the traditional linear leadership styles, stay connected relationally when anxiety tensions are high and take the time to observe in ways that orient for proper directional movement.
Proper orientation connects us with the reality of our environment rather than what we think our environment is.
- Mark Sayers
Last month I read A Non-Anxious Presence by author Mark Sayers. He is specifically writing to ministry leaders and pastors, but his main points are key for leaders in any context. Below is summary of key points I found helpful:
Gray Zones - Gray zones are disorienting in-between places where little seems to make sense
“Gray zones” are spaces in between what was and what will be.
“Gray zones” contain influences from both the past and the forming era which creates confusion and contradiction.
Because of the confusion and contradictory nature of “gray zones”, anxiety increases.
Context - As a society we are in the process of moving from a complicated world to a complex world
Complicated = linear thinking and problem-solving, predictable, events interrupt our progress and projects and efficiency is required to succeed.
Complex = non-linear thinking and problem-solving, unpredictable, events envelop us in their processes and adaptability is essential to success.
Structure resembles more of a systemic or interconnected network than a linear, top down structure.
Leadership - When culture and its existing foundations shift, it is necessary to reshape our leadership imagination
The gray zone will be the context in which you live and lead. We must understand it and learn to flourish within it.
In a systemic network, the leader must be able to lead clearly and decisively and stay connected to those they are leading. When both of these things are true, movement forward can happen because anxiety is lessened.
To lead clearly and decisively, a leader must be properly oriented (see resource below) and able to creatively adapt in non-linear ways.
OODA Loop developed by Colonel John Boyd (U.S. Air Force) is, in short, a decision-making feedback loop where a key element to success is the Orient step because this is where necessary adaptations are made.