Inappropriate Use of Strengths
The Inspiring leader is most often criticized for being impractical or soft. There is not enough Analytic Verdant Green or hard-nosed Royal Purple mixed in with the Azure Blue. A bit more guidance from Best Practice 1 would also help. The first of these criticisms is justified when the inspiring leader distracts an organization from the needed consideration of its current reality. It is always tempting to look up at the sky and dream when the world that surrounds us isn’t very pleasant or when it is devoid of any prospects of success. A Verdant Green leader respectfully taps on the Azure Blue’s shoulder.\
Ruby Red Assertive leaders often suggest that Inspiring leaders are too soft. They believe that the inspiring leader’s overriding concern with building community and commitment often keeps an organization from getting the job done. If we wait for everyone to make a firm commitment to a new project, it will never get off the ground. Furthermore, people often begin to feel like they’re part of a community only when the community begins to act and achieve real results.
A Royal Purple leader might whisper in the Azure Blue’s ear: “I can help you get this initiative launched without sacrificing vision or values. I’ve been doing this for many years.” The Tangy Orange leader might also join this collaborative launching effort. It is only up to the Azure Blue leader to acknowledge that they need some help. While seeking support is in the bailiwick of the Azure Blue perspective, it is surprising to observe many Azure Blue leaders venturing out on their own and ignoring their own advice.
The Ruby Red Assertive leader is correct in suggesting that desired outcomes are often not fully understood or appreciated until an organization begins to enact a new project or program. An Azure Blue leader should listen to the Ruby Red pronouncement at this moment. This pronouncement is fully in accord with Best Practice 1. There are often unanticipated early benefits associated with a new project that add further value. The Analytic Verdant Green leader can often help the Inspiring leader anticipate and build on these added benefits. Golden Yellow and Tangy Orange leaders can provide evidence that commitment builds when people see that something tangible really will occur.
The Inspiring leader sometimes fails to fully appreciate the compelling force of action. They might overlook (or deny) the potentially disruptive role that can be played by someone who is always pointing toward an uncertain future—rather than celebrating what has already been accomplished. An appreciative perspective held in particular by Verdant Green and Rainbow leaders will motivate the acknowledgement and honoring of past successes in aligning mission, vision and values with actions. Best Practice 1 provides the guidelines for replication of this success. All forms of leadership on deck for the new VUCA-Plus challenges we are facing! . . . And perhaps a recounting of lessons learned by Abraham can assist in planning for a new initiative.
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