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choose your interests and "stumble" upon sites.  then "like" sites, so you can stumble upon other sites like that in the future. 

i came across this site: www.noop.nl/2010/04/top-150-management-leadership-blogs.html
also, great for leisure, travel, sports, etc. =)


"I make a decision, and if it's the wrong one, I make another one." - Dave Ramsey

Chaos?

         Contemporary leadership theories seem to focus more on a mutual and common purpose between leaders and followers, or collaborators.  As a result, both sides may have a higher level of motivation and morale to reach their goals. 

         It took me a while to really find a theory that I though I identified with, especially because some of the scholarly articles online were difficult to follow.  I used google and the SDSU library website to explore theories (search: contemporary leadership theory/ies).  Once I found theories, I searched those specifically (psychodynamic, attribution, symbolic, charismatic) to identify one I liked.  In the end, I chose..

The CHAOS THEORY.

         So, at first glance, I thought “chaos theory, really?”  How can someone name a theory after a word that means: complete disorder and confusion.  After digging a little deeper, though, I think I identify a lot with this theory.  In a recent post I discussed leadership as a part of nature versus a system or machine and I think this is along the same lines.

         The chaos theory recognizes that events are rarely controlled.  This is seen everyday in life whether it be weather patterns, traffic jams, flight delays, etc., however managers have usually assumed they could control their organizations.  So, the chaos theory suggests that when you give a group of people direction and set them in motion, they will each follow their specific set of a few rules or guidelines, but will also spontaneously self organize into something complex and unexpected.  Although this sounds unappealing, it is realistic- especially in the hospitality industry.  The chaos theory does not suggest the removal of a “leader telling, follower doing” atmosphere completely within an organization, but it allows for the follower to adapt and grow within that ever-changing organization.  It gives them the empowerment to use their best judgment and act as they see needed within the few set of rules and guidelines given to them.

         The chaos theory assumes that the follower has the skills, passion and values that match the organization to help make it successful.  So, it is necessary that the leader has developed the follower to a certain point to be able to use this theory.  The chaos theory is used in very decentralized organizations where there is a high level of relationship and trust.  The chaos theory is very relationship based, with very little task involved at all.

        

         I really identified with this theory because I truly believe that it is impossible for a leader to control every situation, every person, every procedure in an organization.  This is just as it is impossible to control Mother Nature.  But it is possible to set guidelines and rules to meet specific goals and allow a team to reach those goals.  This is just as humans prepare for nature.