Where would you rather work?
One of my favorite Robert Greenleaf quotes (and there are many) can be found in his book On Becoming a Servant-Leader. The book, edited by Larry Spears and Don Frick, tracks the evolution of Greenleaf's thinking on the key issues in his writing: power, ethics, institutions, and many others.
The quote that intrigued me was this:
"Bad organization theory is bad because in practice it pulls people down. But if I had to choose between a bad organization theory with a great leader and a good organization theory with a poor leader, give me the _____ any day."
My guess is that most of you could figure out Greenleaf's choice. My question is: Which would you make?
Would you rather work for a great leader in a bad environment, or would you rather work in a great environment and put up with a bad leader? If you knew you had to be in the situation for the next 10-15 years (some of you may be in one of these situations already), and you could choose only one, which would you choose? Why?
In which of these situations could you have the most influence? Which of these situations would best allow you to find meaning and purpose in your life and your work?
The quote that intrigued me was this:
"Bad organization theory is bad because in practice it pulls people down. But if I had to choose between a bad organization theory with a great leader and a good organization theory with a poor leader, give me the _____ any day."
My guess is that most of you could figure out Greenleaf's choice. My question is: Which would you make?
Would you rather work for a great leader in a bad environment, or would you rather work in a great environment and put up with a bad leader? If you knew you had to be in the situation for the next 10-15 years (some of you may be in one of these situations already), and you could choose only one, which would you choose? Why?
In which of these situations could you have the most influence? Which of these situations would best allow you to find meaning and purpose in your life and your work?




<< Home