Though not as dire as Allen's description, it is a challenge to understand the shape that leadership must take in order to succeed in changing contexts. There are at least three forces that impinge upon, and thereby give shape to, leadership. These forces are organizational stress points, employee stress points and leadership stress points. In understanding the stress that is put upon these three areas, one is able to begin discerning the kind of leadership adjustments that are needed. Clear vision sustained by effective leadership When these six areas are under unusual stress, the organization tends to move in a slow and disjointed fashion.
Breakdowns become much more common than breakthroughs.
Leadership feels as if it is dragging a dead elephant rather than leading men and women in a great adventure. Corporate morale and pride Stress at these points causes employees to see themselves as victims rather than empowered team players. They tend to become self-focused, negative and unproductive. An example of an employee under this kind of stress can be seen in the following quote from Fortune Magazine. I walked in one day last summer and discovered I had three full-time jobs.