JOURNAL ARTICLE

In Praise of the Incomplete Leader.

  • Published In: Harvard Business Review, 2023. P. 44 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: ANCONA, DEBORAH; MALONE, THOMAS W.; ORLIKOWSKI, WANDA J.; SENGE, PETER M. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on redefining leadership by challenging the myth of the "complete leader" and proposing a model of distributed leadership based on four interdependent capabilities: sensemaking, relating, visioning, and inventing. It argues that no single leader can excel equally in all these areas, so effective leadership involves recognizing one’s strengths and weaknesses and collaborating with others to complement those gaps. Sensemaking involves understanding complex environments; relating emphasizes building trust through inquiry and advocacy; visioning is about creating and sharing a compelling future; and inventing entails developing innovative processes to realize that vision. The article highlights examples from diverse organizations to illustrate how embracing incompleteness and distributing leadership fosters organizational success in today’s complex, interconnected world.

Additional Information

  • Source:Harvard Business Review. 2023/06, p44
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Religion and Philosophy
  • Publication Date:2023
  • ISSN:0017-8012
  • Accession Number:173840114
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