Leaders achieving focus in the place of not knowing

Simpson, Peter; Burnard, Hugh

Abstract

The senior manager's role is to constantly identify and clarify what to focus on and then to direct energy into that focus. This involves learning to gain clarity of purpose within a context of uncertainty and disagreement: the place of not knowing. Learning to work in this way involves discovering how to act as though one knows whilst still not knowing. This requires a working awareness of the fact that certainty is socially constructed knowing rather than discovered truth. In this way, leaders can lead others to know what to do. The authors present a case study of their work together (as an academic and a chief executive) which describes one approach to supporting organizational leaders in this task.

Citation

Simpson, P., & Burnard, H. (2000). Leaders achieving focus in the place of not knowing. Leadership and Organization Development Journal, 21(5), 235-242. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730010340052

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Aug 1, 2000
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2000
• Deposit Date: Sep 4, 2020
• Journal: Leadership & Organization Development Journal
• Print ISSN: 0143-7739
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 235-242
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730010340052
• Keywords: Uncertainty; Senior management; Leadership; Public sector; Customs and excise
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6658634