¶ … lessons Senge provides that relates to personal mastery is that the manager needs an understanding of the gap between vision and current reality as a tool for creative energy. What is important about this is that the vision needs to be clear, along with the recognition of reality as a current situation that can and must change. The tension between these two is then what causes the individual to use his or her creativity to make changes towards the vision. In terms of personal mastery, this means that a leader needs to recognize that no reality is static. Hence, such a leader, by mastering this understanding in his or her personal life, will also apply this to business.
As for mental models, Senge's main lesson suggests that learning skills are essential, particularly in terms of two broad classes: Skills of reflection and skills of inquiry. Both of these relate directly to one's management of mental models. Reflection, for example, helps the individual to carefully consider his or her own...
Skills of inquiry allows people to investigate existing situations and facts to determine if their mental models are a true reflection of these. In both cases, the individual is required to take time to avoid making the snap, often unconscious judgments most people are prone to. This is an essential skill in a leader.
These discplines connect closely with Fiedler's Contingency Theory of leadership, as it requires specific self-reflection to be effective. In order to effectively lead a company, the theory requires the leader to determine his or her own leadership style. This requires careful reflection. The second component of the theory, which focuses on the situation the company faces, requires skills of inquiry. The leader needs inquiry skills in order to determine the nature of the situation and what is required to achieve the vision. To effectively match leadership style and situation, the leader must creatively respond to…
