Leadership continued – Styles
When employees have a clear direction and understanding of the value of their personal contribution, it increases productivity and personal standards. Therefore, to ensure the prosperity and viability of the rural industry, in Australia, we need to provide leadership which is purposeful and effective.
The influences within our organisational culture, with regard to leadership, determine how the business or enterprise functions as a whole. For example, if the organisation has values, honesty, integrity and mutual respect, the effect will be immense.
Here are some examples of leadership models that could be adopted within the rural industry:
Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders inspire. This type of leadership is needed in agribusiness to ensure a sustainable future with committed and motivated personnel.
Transformational Leadership is the type of leadership which leaves an impression on the follower. When leadership is delivered in this manner the results are evident in the end product.
Four I’s
(Goleman, et al)
1. Idealised Influence
2. Inspirational Motivation
3. Intellectual Stimulation
4. Individualised Consideration
Emotional Intelligence
If you are asked to give an example of an Agribusiness leader who is high on emotional intelligence, it would be hard to identify someone. Most Agribusiness leaders are deficient in this area (this is a generalisation.)
Without being gender biased, women tend to rate higher on the emotional intelligence radar. Perhaps this skill is developed more in women. Traditionally they have been more intuitive because of experiences like motherhood.
(Goleman, 1998) suggests that Emotional Intelligence is a skill that is not necessarily innate. “Genetics are not the be all and end all.”
Emotional Intelligence has two major components (skills) – Personal and Social and each plays a major role in how we communicate. Our level of proficiency in terms of emotional intelligence determines how well we handle and manage relationships.
Self awareness
If you are self aware you have a good understanding of the way you feel, think and act. In particular how your actions based on emotions make other people feel and react.
Self regulation
The Macquarie Dictionary describes the self regulation aspect of emotional intelligence as “operating or functioning without externally imposed regulations”
Motivation (Passion)
To have Purpose or drive (Motivated) Ambitious; determined; energetic
Empathy
If you are empathetic you are alert to what is happening with other peoples’ feelings, needs and concerns at any particular time.
Social Skill
The ability to communicate in a manner which is received favourably by others. Good at effectively sending and receiving messages.
Each component of emotional intelligence requires us as individuals to recognise our strengths and weaknesses. When we are emotionally intelligent, our inner self is affected by feelings rather than logic or reason.
The lack of opportunity for young people to become involved in the rural industry is inflamed by industry choosing to ignore what is happening right before their very eyes, with many taking the approach “if we pretend its not there it might go away,” according to the ABS.
Rural Australia – isn’t time we did something about it?
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