Lecture on Leadership and Interdependence

Introduction

• Presented by Ivana Korom, with review by Krystian Aparta.
• Story begins in 1997 with the speaker as the new boss of Griffin's Foods, New Zealand.
• Main Goal: "One in every four times a Kiwi eats a snack, it will be one of ours."
• Failure of initial leadership speech despite applause; no action followed.

Key Learning Points

Heroic Leadership vs. Interdependent Leadership

• Heroic Leadership: Deficiencies

  • Often focuses on individual goals that can be measured.
  • Creates a false perception that one person can solve problems alone.
  • Leads to isolation since it avoids collaborative input.

• Interdependent Leadership: Benefits

  • Emphasizes collective goals that require collaboration.
  • Engages others and considers the broader system of operation.
  • Promotes a culture of shared responsibility and transparency.

Examples of Interdependent Leadership

• B Corp Community

  • Companies committed to social and environmental performance.
  • Legal obligation to serve community and shareholders.
  • Sign a declaration of interdependence.

• Clothing Industry

  • Companies like Patagonia and Eileen Fisher.
  • Work together to reduce waste and improve industry practices.
  • Collaborate on standards for home workers in difficult conditions.

Differences in Goal Setting

• Heroic Leaders

  • Set goals achievable alone and clearly defined.
  • Often competitive focus (e.g., revenue, market share).

• Interdependent Leaders

  • Goals declared without having a clear plan.
  • Invitation for others to join in co-creation.

Example of Interdependent Leadership in Action

• At Danone, a declaration to become a B Corp was made without a plan.
• This spurred collective action within the company.

Culture in Meetings

• Shift from hero culture to interdependent culture in meetings.
  • Example from Kraft Foods in Shanghai: language and engagement improved.
  • Result: Better understanding and product success.

Practical Implementation

• Marketplace style meetings to replace traditional presentations.
• Encourages open and fun interaction, leading to idea-sharing.

Broader Application

• Example of personal goal: Rhino conservation.
  • Highlighted need for collaboration due to complexity.

Conclusion

• Challenges of Interdependence

  • More difficult than heroic leadership; requires transparency and vulnerability.

• Benefits

  • Joy and success in collaboration.
  • Necessary for addressing complex global challenges.

• Call to Action

  • Encouragement to adopt interdependence for effective leadership.

• Final note on the significance of collaboration for future problem-solving.