Woven Leadership
By Kim Box
()
About this ebook
Introduction to Woven Leadership
It's time to start recognizing that leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, demographics and life experiences. We must see diversity as a secret weapon to be exploited in order to build the most successful organization. And we must also acknowledge that acting based on our own authenticity is imperative to weaving together the strength of the very fabric of the organization. We will explore why diversity and authenticity are now requirements for any organization that wants to succeed.
What does diversity leadership mean to you? Attending an annual seminar to fill a Human Resources requirement? Adding a token minority to the management team? Posting a demographically diverse picture on your web site? After almost three decades of working and leading global operations at Hewlett-Packard, I am here to tell you what "Diversity Leadership" means to me and why it should be important to you and the success of your organization.
The Real Definition
Diversity leadership is the art and science of bringing people with different ways of looking at the world together to weave creative solutions. Those alternative points of view can come from growing up in different cultures, generations or business units. You see, divergent perspectives come from more than differences in race, gender, sexual orientation or age. Everyone looks at the world through the lens of his or her own personal experience. All of those perspectives can contribute to developing and implementing innovative ways of solving problems and doing business. That is why it is essential to have lots of different points of view around the table.
The most important challenge for today's leader is to stress the positives of colorful, inclusive teams while smoothing out the wrinkles that can pop up when team members clash in approach and style. Like a modern-day Rumpelstiltskin, today's leader has to be able to take the raw materials of varied skilled employees and spin them into the gold of an efficient organization.
A Strong Framework
This process of diversity leadership goes by many names, but I call it Woven Leadership because it emphasizes the big picture company goals while capitalizing on the unique contributions each team member makes every day.
No magic spell exists for turning straw into gold. Similarly, effective diversity leadership is not a simple sleight of hand. It is about taking the time to put in place a solid framework that brings together a well-rounded team based on trust. Individuals are accountable for reaching individual goals and everyone works for the good of the organization. Once those supports are in place, a good leader can weave in a culture based on creativity, adaptability and authentic expression. That is how effective leaders change the game to be successful in dynamic industries.
In the next seven chapters, I will share the stories from my experience as a leader and anecdotes from other leaders as the basis for stringing together strong teams. I am passionate about sharing my message that diversity is critical to any organization and its mission.
Kim Box
After a long and rewarding career as an IT executive, Kim Box decided she was ready for a change. She had the desire to share her passion about leadership focused on diversity and authenticity. She left her corporate career and embarked on writing Woven Leadership with the intention to inspire both aspiring and experienced leaders to look at diversity as a competitive imperative. She wrote the book, Woven Leadership, to fulfill this goal and is now speaking at events and forums. She also facilitates a large and inclusive on-line community with engaging and up-to-date dialog on leadership and diversity on her website - www.kimboxinspires.com
Related to Woven Leadership
Related ebooks
Elevate: Push Beyond Your Limits and Unlock Success in Yourself and Others (Motivational Leadership, Self-Help Book) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Beyond Discomfort: Why inclusive leadership is so hard (and what you can do about it) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBelonging: The Key to Transforming and Maintaining Diversity, Inclusion and Equality at Work Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKnowledge Mindfulness: The Interconnections That Help Leaders Transform Their Business and Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTeamership: Bring Your Best and Bring Out the Best in Others Across Multiple Teams Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLeading to Succeed: Essential Skills for the New Workplace Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Show Me The Harmony Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDiscover the Leader Within: 10 Keys to Becoming the Leader You Want to Be Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIncluding You!: Leading Inclusion From Where You Are Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBarefoot in the Boardroom: Every Leader’s Guide to Navigating Change Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5No Bosses Allowed: Lead to Serve and Transform Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBecome a Life-Changing Leader: How to Successfully Lead Teams in Any Environment Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsShift the Field: How to Deliver the Transformation Your Clients Crave While Unlocking The Magic You Were Born to Share Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHuman Work: Five Leadership Mindsets for Humanising the Workplace Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsValued Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAwaken Your Potential Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsColorfull: Competitive Strategies to Attract and Retain Top Talent of Color Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDeveloping Leaders: Why Traditional Leadership Training Misses the Mark Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGlobal Dimensions: The Super 7 of Global Success Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTrusted to Thrive: How leaders create connected and accountable teams Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMastering the Effective and Successful Leader Mindset Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Leadership Triangle: The Three Options That Will Make You a Stronger Leader Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Becoming a Peaceful Powered Leader: How to Shed Fear, Live Courageously, and Own Your Peace Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEverything Connects: Cultivating Mindfulness, Creativity, and Innovation for Long-Term Value (Second Edition) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHeartful Business: Leading with the World in Mind Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRise Of The Courageous Leader: 3 simple steps to lean into discomfort and communicate with confidence. Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsInspiration in Leadership: A Personal Journey in Sales Leadership and Sales Management Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Leadership Core: Competencies for Successfully Leading Others Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLead Like a Pro Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsManagers in Disguise-Leaders in Disgust: The Not-So Obvious Roadblocks to Success Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Human Resources & Personnel Management For You
Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I Moved Your Cheese: For Those Who Refuse to Live as Mice in Someone Else's Maze Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The First-Time Manager Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The New One Minute Manager Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate The Three Essential Virtues Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/52600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews: Ready-to-Use Words and Phrases That Really Get Results Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Leading the Unleadable: How to Manage Mavericks, Cynics, Divas, and Other Difficult People Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The No Complaining Rule: Positive Ways to Deal with Negativity at Work Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Leadership Mindset 2.0: The Psychology and Neuroscience of Reaching your Full Potential Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLeaders Eat Last (Review and Analysis of Sinek's Book) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The SHRM Essential Guide to Employment Law, Second Edition: A Handbook for HR Professionals, Managers, Businesses, and Organizations Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGetting to Yes with Yourself: (and Other Worthy Opponents) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Way of the Shepherd: Seven Secrets to Managing Productive People Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The 9 Types of Leadership: Mastering the Art of People in the 21st Century Workplace Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Rocket Fuel (Review and Analysis of Wickman and Winter's Book) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Performance Appraisal Phrase Book: The Best Words, Phrases, and Techniques for Performace Reviews Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Success Mindsets: Your Keys to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, & Leadership Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/512 Habits Of Valuable Employees: Your Roadmap to an Amazing Career Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The CEO’s Secret Weapon: How Great Leaders and Their Assistants Maximize Productivity and Effectiveness Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Peter Principle: Say NO! to incompetence at work Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Who Moved My Cheese?: An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Reviews for Woven Leadership
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Woven Leadership - Kim Box
WOVEN LEADERSHIP
Organization for Success
By:
KIM BOX
Published by Authority Publishing at Smashwords
Copyright © 2011 by Kim Box. All rights reserved.
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional when appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, personal, or other damages.
1. Business & Economics : Leadership 2. Business & Economics : Organizational Behavior 3. Business & Economics : Management - General ISBN: 978-1-935953-15-9
Cover design by Vanessa Perez
Original Copyright © 2011 by Kim Box
Revised Edition
This book is available in print at www.kimboxinspires.com
Dedicated to my mom and dad, who have been an inspiration to me throughout my life. Thank you for the gift of setting such a wonderful example.
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
Foreword
The Loom
1. Introduction to Woven Leadership
Section I: The Warp
2. Building in Diversity
3. Trust and Integrity at the Center
4. Accountability Is Key
Section II: The Weft
5. Creativity Runs Through It
6. The Adaptable Team
7. The Authentic Leader
The Fringe
8. Afterword — Leading with Purpose
Notes
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
There are many notable people who have been a part of my journey over the years. Each one has led to the writing of this leadership book. While I cannot recount every person, I do want to acknowledge that learning and growing comes from many different situations — some are positive, some are a struggle — but in the end they are all formative in our evolution. I would like to thank all of those people along my path — you have a part in the making of this book.
To all of those who graciously contributed through interviews and questions to help bring my thoughts and experiences to life: Fred Arcuri, Dr. Amerish Bera, Roger Box, Tara Bunch, Nora Denzel, Robert Farrell, Sandra Goldstine, Sushma Nagaraj, Jyoti Narula, Martin Nivinski, Nicole Nivinski, Dr. Claire Pomeroy, Larry Welch, Michael Ziegler.
To JT Long, my publishing consultant: without your guidance, expertise and perseverance to meet our schedule and guidelines this book would most likely still be in the making. You have been the epitome of professionalism and excellence in traveling this journey with me. I am so grateful that I had you as my partner to make my thoughts, ideas and passions come to life in this book.
To all my early readers — Dejan Milojicic, Avinash R. Mugali, Paul A. Ridge, Joe Robertson and Barbara Wakefield: thank you for your invaluable feedback with the finishing touches.
And lastly, special thanks to my husband, Craig Robertson, who has given solid support for this project and all the time I spent sequestered in my office! You are a joy in my life, each and every day.
Foreword
Writing a book about diversity and authenticity was not part of my long-term career plan. I was busy managing my team all over the world, raising a family and trying to be a productive member of my community. Along the way, I had a lot of time to think about what makes an effective leader. I have seen and experienced many types of leadership, some strong and successful, some weak and ineffective. They all contributed to my understanding of what is required to be a true leader. Over and over again, one of the defining features of a person who wins where others fail is the ability to embrace the concepts of diversity and authenticity.
I know, two easy words to say, but they carry a great deal of weight and must be deployed with care. To reap the benefits of a diverse organization, an authentic leader must move forward with awareness, foresight and a goal-oriented approach. Diversity cannot be a good intention that goes unmanaged. Every step must be part of a unified plan.
Likewise, coming into your own authentic self is a process to be nurtured. We all know that personal growth is a lifelong evolution. It takes thoughtful contemplation at various times in our lives to understand what we are all about and how we want to show up in the world. This is a key aspect to being a strong leader — knowing yourself and honoring all of the uniqueness that you bring to your everyday actions. Only then can you embrace the uniqueness of all of those around you and own the power of leading a diverse organization.
The good news is that all this hard work can result in a competitive edge that homogenous teams could never achieve. Diversity yields far greater creative solutions to business challenges by opening the door to an array of views from a world of perspectives. In today’s business climate, that creative advantage can mean the difference between the success and the failure of an organization.
That is why I decided that I had to write this book. Diversity in the workplace is no longer something it would be nice to have. It is an imperative. Those who understand the power of a diverse, authentic organization are the ones who will shape the future. We have left one century and entered into a new one, and it is time to leave behind some old ways of thinking and move forward to explore new ideas that will serve us well going into the future.
I hope that by sharing my passion and the best practices of some of the people I admire most in the field of diversity leadership, I can inspire at least one person to pursue the authentic path. Our world is coming together as never before. The more we understand the power of diversity and operate from our authentic selves, the better off our companies and communities will be today and tomorrow. That openness to the value each person can contribute every day is the basis of Woven Leadership.
The Loom
"Strength lies in differences, not in similarities."
—Stephen R. Covey
Chapter 1
Introduction to Woven Leadership
"If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values,
we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities,
and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each
diverse human gift will find a fitting place." —Margaret Mead
It’s time to start recognizing that leadership comes in all shapes
and sizes, demographics and life experiences. We must see
diversity as a secret weapon to be exploited in order to build the
most successful organization. And we must also acknowledge that
acting based on our own authenticity is imperative to weaving
together the strength of the very fabric of the organization. We
will explore why diversity and authenticity are now requirements
for any organization that wants to succeed.
What does diversity leadership mean to you? Attending
an annual seminar to fill a Human Resources requirement?
Adding a token minority to the management team? Posting
a demographically diverse picture on your web site? After
almost three decades of working and leading global operations
at Hewlett-Packard, I am here to tell you what "Diversity
Leadership" means to me and why it should be important to you
and the success of your organization.
The Real Definition
Diversity leadership is the art and science of bringing people with different ways of looking at the world together to weave creative solutions. Those alternative points of view can come from growing up in different cultures, generations or business units. You see, divergent perspectives come from more than differences in race, gender, sexual