Distinctive Leadership II 2024/2025 Discussion Board 1

[Aanuoluwa Babalola]

Exceptional leaders combine authority with accountability, setting a powerful example for their teams. They lead by example and take ownership, openly acknowledging mistakes and responsibility.

Nelson Mandela, who owned South Africa’s complex past to forge unity is a great example , as well as King David, who immediately confessed his sins when confronted by Nathan.

Accountable leaders also set clear expectations and transparent goals. They don’t just command; they explain the ‘why’ and the metrics for success, ensuring everyone understands their role. Angela Merkel was known for this clarity in policy, and Moses faithfully delivered God’s explicit commandments to the Israelites, making expectations clear.
Finally, they foster open communication and solicit feedback. Despite their authority, they welcome diverse opinions and constructive criticism, strengthening their decisions. Abraham Lincoln famously built a “team of rivals,” valuing different viewpoints, while Jesus Christ, despite His divine authority, engaged with disciples, even accepting their challenges, demonstrating an openness to interaction and understanding.

[Aanuoluwa Babalola]

Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, when he took over, Microsoft was struggling to adapt to the mobile and cloud computing eras. Nadella had the authority to steer the company in a new direction. Instead of dictating terms, he fostered a culture of empathy, learning, and collaboration, effectively balancing his authority with a strong emphasis on accountability. He didn’t shy away from admitting past mistakes, like Microsoft’s missteps in mobile. He transparently communicated his vision for a cloud-first, mobile-first company, and held himself and his leadership team accountable for achieving ambitious targets in these areas. His willingness to empower teams while holding them responsible for outcomes, and his personal commitment to ethical leadership, are often cited as key reasons for Microsoft’s resurgence.

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