Leaders are individuals who possess certain traits that allow them to effectively direct their teams towards achieving organizational objectives. These include the ability to think strategically, assess risks accurately, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Little is known about how personal relationships can influence these qualities. This essay delves into the impact of intimate dependencies on the strategic thinking, risk assessment, and leadership style of leaders.
Intimate Dependencies
Intimate dependencies refer to emotional bonds between people based on mutual reliance and trust. They develop when one person relies heavily on another for psychological support and assistance, often resulting from a shared history of romantic or platonic relationships. Leaders with such dependencies may be more likely to prioritize the needs of those they depend on, leading to biased decision-making.
A leader who depends on his/her spouse's approval for financial matters might place their investments less carefully than someone without such ties.
Strategic Thinking
Strategic thinking involves analyzing current trends, potential challenges, and possible opportunities to create long-term plans for success. Intimate dependencies can hinder this process by clouding judgment and limiting options.
If a leader has an intimate dependency on a colleague, he/she may not acknowledge the latter's weaknesses or failings out of loyalty. This can lead to misguided strategies, which might harm the company in the future. Similarly, leaders who rely on friends and family members for advice may overlook valuable insights from unbiased sources.
Risk Assessment
Effective risk assessment requires objective evaluation of potential hazards and benefits. Intimate dependencies can affect this by skewing perceptions of risks and outcomes. A leader who depends on his/her partner may minimize threats posed by external factors to avoid hurting them or feel guilty about making decisions that negatively impact them. Conversely, individuals without such dependencies may be willing to take calculated risks to achieve organizational goals.
Leadership Style
Intimate dependencies can also shape leadership styles, making some leaders hesitant to take charge while others are assertive. Leaders who depend heavily on partners often seek agreement before taking action, compromising on crucial issues. Those with no dependencies may be more confident in their decisions and able to stand up against dissenters effectively.
Intimate dependencies can significantly impact leaders' decision-making abilities and strategic thinking. By understanding these effects, organizations can develop effective policies to support their leaders and enhance overall performance.
It is essential to recognize that personal relationships provide emotional fulfillment that should not be underestimated.
How do intimate dependencies shape the strategic thinking, risk assessment, and leadership style of leaders?
Intimate dependencies are relationships between individuals that develop out of an interdependent nature, where one individual depends on another for their needs and wants to be met (Hill & Hitt, 2017). These intimate dependencies can influence the way leaders think about strategy, risk assessment, and their leadership style in many ways.