Byron's Babbles

Leaders Experiencing The Minute Details

Posted in Dubai, Education, Educational Leadership, Global Education, Global Leadership, Leadership, Leadership Development by Dr. Byron L. Ernest on February 15, 2024

Our “accumulated experience” and “inherited knowledge” are extremely important to us as leaders as they help shape our decision-making process, problem-solving skills, and overall leadership style. Experience allows us to learn from past successes and failures, giving us valuable insights that can guide us in making better decisions in the future. It also helps us earn the trust and respect of our team members, as they see us as someone who has been through various challenges and knows how to navigate them effectively. Overall, accumulated experience can make us a more effective and confident leader.

We were reminded by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, just how important our accumulated experience and inherited knowledge are in My Story. He told us that, “Some say a leader must have a bird’s-eye view, looking at things from above so that he or she can assess them and make the relevant decisions. I say a leader must be on the ground living among the people, enduring their conditions, experiencing their lives and knowing the minute details of their suffering in order to change their situation for the better” (p. 67). I call this being the deer in the headlights. This is why I am also such a big advocate of, where possible, having people who have actually done what is being taught be the teachers of those transferable skills.

“Inherited knowledge” refers to the knowledge and expertise that is passed from one generation to the next within an organization or team. This knowledge can come in the form of best practices, lessons learned, and insights gained from past experiences.

Inherited knowledge is important to organizations and leadership because it allows them to build on the successes of the past and avoid repeating the mistakes that have been made before. By tapping into the collective wisdom of those who have come before, organizations can make more informed decisions, solve problems more effectively, and drive innovation.

Additionally, inherited knowledge can help to foster a sense of continuity and tradition within an organization, creating a sense of stability and cohesion among team members. It also enables leaders to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders, ensuring a smooth succession of leadership and the continued growth and success of the organization.

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