The Tantric Proposition in Leadership Education: You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman.

This paper argues that leadership in higher education should be open to a female leadership model expressed in an Eastern "Tantric" model. Suggesting that a male leadership model that oppresses and excludes women has been in effect for the past millennium, the proposed Tantric proposition is a step toward a shared model of leadership which will be seen as synergistic rather than separatist. The use of Eastern philosophy, quantum physics, and extant leadership theories are urged for the development of a new synergistic construct that is interpersonal in concept, and personal in construct. The Tantra is a Buddhist construct requiring that all living things be recognized as having intrinsic self worth. This approach applied to leadership brings a new way of looking at how "leadership" is defined and how we teach it to others. Leadership will involve familiarity with both objective and subjective methodologies focused on transforming outmoded, rigid systems into living, organic processes. Contains 41 references. Includes 8 tantric charts. (JB) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** The Tantric Proposition in Leadership Education: You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman By Marsha Wislocki-Goin Department of Educational Leadership Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, Michigan Advisor: Dr. Patrick M. Jenlink Sixth Annual International Conference of Women in Higher Education The University of Texas at El Paso January 8, 1993 U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Orke ot EcluelhonaI Rasaarch and Imocovernant EDUATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Trus docurnenl has bean (*Produced MI recenred froth the DerSOn Or organuatton ougmahngq C Mmor changes have bean mad* 10 mousy* reproduchon Quehty Ponts f oreor ocwrnons statad .n $5.0 documen' do not naceSsardy rePreatint ("OW 0E14100s,h0n0,00I.CY 1 r's PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY Marsha Wislocki-Goin TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) Looking out at the pouring rain, I used to feel so uninspired. And when I knew I had to face another day, Lord, it made me feel so tired. Before the day I met you, life was so unkind; now you're the key to my peace of mind, 'cause you make me feel, you make me feel, you make me feel like a natural woman. -Aretha Franklin Goffin, G. , King, C. , & Wexler, J. A Natural Woman. New York: Atlantic Records. 1967. When the subject of leadership arises, it is most often images of males which come to mind. This a priori construct, endemic in the minds of most politicians, religious figures, and media specialists frequently engenders a sense of malaise among those of us who are women as well as leaders. Looking out through the glass window which separates women from attaining po'sitions in organizations for which we have been trained (Hewlitt, 1984); looking up at the glass ceiling which prevents women from reaching top-level positions within the organizations which employ them (Rosener, 1990); these "looking glass" experiences do not inspire women to do more than touch the transparent surface which separates them from attaining leadership positions within their organizations. Yet, if we begin to look in the mirror, rather than through clear glass, we may see someone wearing the face of a new leadership model as it will