Welcome to the Transformational Leadership Series (TLS).
Two weeks ago, we discussed leadership from the perspective of influence alone. Leadership is influence. Last week we discussed Leadership as Influence but from the perspective of purpose. This week we will discuss Leadership as Influence from the perspective of direction. Next week, we will discuss leadership as influence from the perspective of motivation.
The above is derived from the definition of leadership employed for this section of our transformational leadership series which is taken from the U.S. Army Leadership Field Manual. It defines leadership thus:
Leadership involves “influencing people—by providing purpose, direction, and motivation—while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization”.
DIRECTION
Leaders inspire others toward uncommon goals and never lose sight of the future even as they labor tirelessly for the demands of today. One of the ways they do this is by inspiring through providing direction.
DIRECTION, n. [L.]
1. Aim at a certain point; a pointing towards, in a straight line or course; as, the direction of good works to a good end.
3. A straight line or course. A star appeared in the direction of a certain tower. The ship sailed in a south-easterly direction.
4. The act of governing; administration; management; guidance; superintendence; as the direction of public affairs; direction of domestic concerns; the direction of a bank.
5. Regularity; adjustment.
6. Order; prescription; either verbal or written; instruction in what manner to proceed. The employer gives directions to his workmen; the physician, to his patient.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PURPOSE AND DIRECTION
Purpose has to do with giving followers an aim, end in view, or a consequence. Direction involves showing followers how to reach that goal, or how to fulfil that purpose. Purpose has to do with the end but direction has to do with the means to the end. Giving purpose inspires and so does giving direction—showing followers how to get from point A to point B. Leaders inspire followers by giving them goals and showing them how to attain them.
Direction involves instructions on how to get somewhere.
Several governments in developing countries and some developed countries are fond of putting out very grandiose manifestos of what they will do when elected however, they seldom show how their leadership will get the job accomplished. They are able to articulate an END game but unable to direct the people [show them how to get there].
Some wonder how Adolf Hitler was able to lead the much of Germany into war based on racism. He simply influenced them. He gave them purpose and direction. He showed them an END game and also provided them with how to reach that end game. This is how he influenced a great nation to perpetrate some of the worst atrocities known to mankind.
Practically speaking what are the components of direction. The U.S. Army Leadership Field Manual has the following to say about managing direction.
When providing direction, leaders should:
- Come up with a mission
- Communicate the way you want the mission accomplished
- Prioritize tasks,
- Assign responsibility for completing them (delegating authority when necessary)
- Make sure your people understand the standard
Leadership that inspires via giving purpose and direction stand the chance of becoming transformational influencers. PDF version available below.
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