Reflexivity And The Unfolding Drama
Earlier today I blogged about reflexivity and being curious in Reflexivity and Curious George. As I continued to think about this topic I wondered about the work of Patricia Pritchard, who wrote two of my favorite leadership books, The Drama of Leadership: Artists, Craftmen, and Technocrats and the Power Struggle That Shapes Organizations and Societies (1997) and Artists, Craftsmen, and Technocrats: The Dreams, Realities, and Illusions of Leadership (1997, 2nd edition). I wrote about Pritchard and these books in Leading With Artisanship. I learned from Pitcher that as an artist I will, at times, have vague, indefinable, long-term visions that get clarified by action and remaining open to new insights. In other words I’m being curious and reflexive. Artists know where they are going, but sometimes it’s vague and more a trip that destination.
“I claim that the visions of the visionary [artist] leader are no different in form or origin than those of an artist. If you ask a great painter what he or she’s going to paint next, it’s a rare one who will have a detailed answer and if he or she does, I doubt he or she satisfies the definition of great.” ~ Patricia Pitcher, 1997, The Drama of Leadership, kindle location 196 of 2456.
Reflexive leaders focus on the nuances of our environment, harness creativity, and foster a sense of authenticity in relationships. We are skilled in navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, much like artists who interpret and respond to their surroundings in unique ways. Reflexivity fits into Pritchard’s framework as it encourages leaders to engage in self-examination and awareness of their actions, thoughts, and the broader context in which they operate.
In Pitcher’s view, reflexivity allows leaders to step back and critically assess our roles, decisions, and the impact of our leadership style on others. This self-awareness is crucial for understanding the “drama” that unfolds within organizations, as it helps leaders recognize how our behaviors and perceptions shape team dynamics and organizational culture.
By fostering a reflexive approach, we can better navigate the complexities of our environments, respond to challenges with greater agility, and inspire their teams by modeling openness and adaptability. Reflexivity aligns with Pitcher’s emphasis on authenticity, communication, and the importance of relationships in effective leadership.
Byron's Babbles 
This was helpful for me, Byron. I began my education career as an Art Teacher. I have been creating since my earliest memories. The application to Ed leadership is very close, if not spot-on, to what you are describing here. Thanks for the insights and for investing in others! -Ryan
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