#📓 #📄 #🟠 # Facilitative Social Change Leadership Theory: 10 Recommendations toward Effective Leadership ![[calendar-plus.svg]] <small>Dec 12, 2022</small> | ![[calendar-clock.svg]] <small>Jun 21, 2023</small> 🏷️ [[Leadership MOC]], [[MOCs/Interests/Change|Change]] **Authors:** [[Willis M Watt]] **Citation:** Watt, W. M. (2009). Facilitative social change leadership theory: 10 recommendations toward effective leadership. *Journal of Leadership Education, 8*(2), 50-71. --- # Abstract ~ 3 Sentence Summary In the fast pace of the 21st century there is a demand for effective leaders capable of handling the internal and external changes occurring in our organizations. This paper seeks to inform the reader because change is natural; it is constant; it is inevitable. But, what constitutes effective leadership is the question? The main purpose of this paper is to offer 10 recommendations toward effective leadership that are outcomes of an eclectic leadership approach – Facilitative Social Change Leadership Theory (FSCL). The FSCL approach is a melding of [[Social Change Theory]], [[Social Change Leadership Theory]], and [[Transformational Leadership Theory]] as well as the work of Tichy and DeVanna. ## Key Takeaways # Notes & Important Ideas - ["] A leader's sense of self contributes to the ability to understand others and work with them toward the achievement of common goals. ([Watt 2009:50](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=1)) - ["] leadership is generally understood to be a dynamic activity that ultimately affects social and organizational change. ([Watt 2009:50](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=1)) - ["] Effective leaders seek answers about how to survive in a rapidly changing environment. ([Watt 2009:51](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=2)) ### In modern times, leadership must be understood in terms of leaders and followers working together. ([note on p.51](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=2)) - The [[Facilitative Social Change Leadership Theory]] approach focuses on effective leadership that is relational, change-directed, learned, and transformative in its process. ([Watt 2009:51](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=2)) > [! quote] p. 55> leadership is what followers and leaders do together for the common good. ([note on p.55](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=6)) ### Tichy and DeVanna offer a 3-step process for dealing with [[social change]]" 1. Recognize the need for change; encourage dissent and allow disagreement 2. Create a vision 3. Institutionalize changes ([note on p.56](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=7)) ### Facilitative Social Change Process Model > [! example] Phase 1 - Initiation > Leader must be: > - willing to lead > - aware that change is needed and ready to initiate > - ready to assume responsibility > [! example] Phase 2 - Preparation > Leader must: > - describe problem/issue/situation > - determine alternative way of doing things > - seek assistance by developing coalitions > [! example] Phase 3 - Interaction > Leader must: > - confront status quo and those who oppose change > - embrace conflict through [[reach-testing]] > - facilitate and support collaboration and evaluate ([note on p.57](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=8)) ### Characteristics of the FSCL approach - Use collaborative approach to involve followers in decision-making - Promote interactive relationships - Think outside the box while following rules - Recognize value of learning from trial and error - Willing to take risks to promote positive change ([note on p.58](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=9)) ### Common beliefs of facilitative leaders: - Frustrated by status quo - Community can be improved through change - Must be involved in creating or responding to change - Aware of need to gain support of key individuals/groups - Empowering others results in group of people who will deal with needed change - Recognize importance of involving outside individuals and organizations - bring important information, experiences, resources - Conflict is normal part of human interaction ([note on p.58](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=9)) - ["] FSCL leaders take into consideration individuals' needs in order to create a supportive environment as they listen to their followers and help them to self-actualize. ([Watt 2009:60](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=11)) ### Complex organizational issues need to be addressed in a collaborative manner - When a leader is committed to a [[facilitative social change process]], then the followers will be empowered and together they can work toward achievement of a shared vision and goals. ([note on p.60](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=11)) ### It takes a coalition of social change agents to transform an organization - Facilitative leaders work to form liaisons that empower individuals and groups - Must be willing to confront existing power structures ([note on p.61](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=12)) - ["] They seek to motivate others, but they are careful to use persuasion that is not based on their authority as leader. ([Watt 2009:61](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=12)) - ["] The FSCL leader attempts to build a strong sense of community resulting in a sense of belonging among all parties. ([Watt 2009:61](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=12)) - ["] Collaboration that results from empowering others through the FSCL approach to leadership can result in the institutionalization of effective problem-solving processes. ([Watt 2009:62](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=13)) ### 10 Characteristics of Effective Leaders Based on FSCL 1. Follow procedures and adhere to policies - Effective leaders are good followers, accountable to those in authority and in alignment with the organization's goal 2. Submit to authority of others 3. Take risks - Step outside of the box to be innovative; be flexible 4. Commitment - Commit to using one's ability to lead others, perform technical skills, and conceptualize situations to ensure goal achievement 5. Be proactive - Leaders must facilitate the group's or organization's production through organization, effective oversight, providing directions, and collaborative decision-making ([note on p.37](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=16)) 6. Expect conflict - Productively manage conflict by forming coalitions that allow for building collaborative agendas for change that meet the needs of the group or organization 7. Tell the truth, but with compassion 8. Listen - [[Seek first to understand, then seek to be understood]] 9. Love people - Acknowledge the value of team members and respect them with dignity 10. Check your attitude - Begins with mindset of a [[servant leader]]- [[Leadership is a choice]] to take on the role with all its responsibilities ([note on p.65-66](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/P7FFVJ3H?page=17)) ## Connections to Other Materials # Personal Reflection & Application --- # Other References TBR:: 🔖 Bennis, W. (1989). *On becoming a leader.* Addison-Wesley. 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Too many leaders?...or do we use the term "leader" too freely? *News & Tools Leadership, 1*(2), 1-2.