Date: 8 February 2007
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Venue: Bancom Room, Asian Institute of Management
Leadership and Motivation in the New Century
How does one become a master on the art of persuading people in subordinating their personal goals over a greater common goal? Is it the innate charisma that provides them massive influence and prestige? Or is the ability to initiate change, authority and service an acquired learning as well? The answer is both. In the new century, the ancient theory that claim leaders are born and not made has long been overridden by new findings exploring the spheres of characteristics and behavior.
Among the key promoters of this modern train of thought are notable authors Robert Greenleaf, Stephen Covey, Afsaneh Nahavandi, Daniel Goleman and 2006-2007 Fulbright-SyCip Distinguished Lecturer, Dr. Charles A. Rarick of the Andreas School of Business, Barry University, Florida, who was featured in a globalization lecture entitled “Leadership and Motivation in the New Century” last 8 February 2007 at the Asian Institute of Management.
Dr. Rarick’s lecture emphasized principle-centered and strategic leadership. The former, from Stephen Covey, segregates leadership into levels governed by natural principles synonymous to the “law of the farm.” Shortcuts and quick fixes are not effective in the long run. The course of “preparing the ground, seeding, cultivating, weeding and watering” requires character and skill development.
The latter dissects the various combinations of challenges and control and yields four strategic leadership styles. These are the High Control Innovator or the challenge-seeker who maintains tight control over an organization; the Status Quo Guardian who is the low risk taker and would rather focus on efficiency; the Participative Innovator, the challenge-seeker who delegates control; and the Process Manager, the conservative leader who sticks with the tried and tested approaches.
Dr. Rarick also touched on the importance of emotional intelligence over IQ and the cultural adaptation of leadership theories. No one leadership system is universal. Rather, leadership theories are influenced by culture. He presented Geert Hofstede’s classification of cultures using four dimensions: power distance, masculinity, collectivism and uncertainty avoidance. In terms of power distance, Philippine culture is accustomed to high power where inequality is recognized. The Philippine culture is also very much patriarchal. With regards to collectivism, the bayanihan spirit makes the Philippine culture a “we” culture. Lastly, the culture has low uncertainty avoidance where change and risk taking is the norm.
Another dimension of leadership apposite the Philippines is servant-leadership, where service is a natural feeling and a conscious choice.
Given the circumstances, Dr. Rarick provides the answer. The Alchemist leader, a catalyst for social change, is the best leadership style according to a 25 year old study. This is a leader that can deal simultaneously with many situations at multiple levels, deal with immediate priorities yet never lose sight of long-term goals, can create symbols of importance and speak to the heart and minds of people, and is charismatic, truthful and moral.
The event was hosted by the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center, Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Philippine American Educational Foundation and the Asia Society Philippine Foundation, Inc. Reactors were Ms. Amina Rasul-Bernardo, Lead Convenor of the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy, who provided political and cultural insights; resident Mr. Greg Atienza, Managing Director of the AIM Alumni Relations who imparted his opinions on business leadership; and Ms. Edlyn Kalman, Executive Director of the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines Foundation, who spoke about servant leadership in the Philippines.
Professor Ricardo Lim, Associate Dean of the W. SyCip Graduate School of Business of the Institute welcomed the audience to the AIM Community. Mr. Theo Arnold, Executive Director of the Asia Society Philippine Foundation, Inc. introduced Dr. Charles Rarick, and Dr. Federico Macaranas, Executive Director of the Policy Center integrated a synthesis on leadership as a balancing act and a confluence of skills, values and authority.
Leadership and Motivation in the New Century (.pdf)
Dr. Charles Rarick
Director, Andreas School of Business, Barry University, Florida
& Fulbright-Sycip Distinguished Lecturer