Dirty Hands, Busted Knuckles: A Primer for Practical Leadership

Dirty Hands, Busted Knuckles: A Primer for Practical Leadership

Dale Foster | 2021

Abstract

The Dirty Hands, Busted Knuckles manuscript integrates and synthesizes three key leadership domains that typically are not presented holistically or within one cover, i.e., perspective, people, and process. The manuscript is oriented to new leaders or those approaching leadership opportunities; however, seasoned leaders may also benefit from the integrated and synthesized approach as leadership aspects such as Discovery Learning, the power and impact of culture, and the critical tools of process management are interwoven thematically.

Regardless of level every formal leader is a choreographer of resources, people, processes, and time as these four variables interplay at the point where the organization’s work is accomplished. If not properly choreographed then organization effectiveness is impeded. This choreography is a recurring phenomenon as every leader interaction either enhances or degrades daily performance.

Of note, as Thomas Sowell indicated “There are no solutions. There are only tradeoffs.” This holds especially true in resource constrained environments which, typically, are found in most every organization. This type of internally constrained environment, overlayed by an external operating environment that is highly volatile and ever changing, requires leaders who are mentally agile, skilled in the nuances of emotional intelligence, and masters of the various media for both strategic and 1:1 communication.

Understanding the interrelationships and interdependencies of perspective, people, and process is critical for those with the honor and the burden of leadership. Dirty Hands, Busted Knuckles postures leaders to become better choreographers of these domains.