 | Defending and Correcting Leadership |
Created By: Paul Whyte on 06/25/97 at 09:21 PM
Category: Emotional Discharge
manipulating or eventually destroying. The unresolved tension from rigid past leadership is
very common and has stopped most men from building the safety that we need to grow and live
full lives. With emotional work we can easily get the closeness and trust needed to lead from the
warmth we build between us. Simply saying what went well and what could have been tried at
the end of a group or session can elegantly train men to lead good men's groups.
For everything that is important or new, the best way forward can't be worked out ahead
of time. Mistakes must be made to learn. Blaming and criticisms harm men and lead to
mistakes becoming entrenched. We need to build men's networks where it is safe to learn
and grow. Every man taking initiative, responsibility, leadership or organizing the safety
needed for men's emotional work needs to get defended from the unworked out tensions
in our culture about "men" and "leaders".
Mistakes he makes are best talked about in private with him personally or with a more
experienced man he goes to for assistance in his men's work. If this does not help more
experienced men can be found that the guy trusts with his interests. Gossip or attacks simply
harm the man and the work of building safety for men.
We need to have a diversity of men's groups and organizations. If something is not happening
the way you want, it could be that you need to start it yourself. Where an approach is working
it will show clearly in time. There really is no need to wait for anyone else's approval to learn
it your way or have anyone else do it for you. (c) copyright 1997 Sydney Men's Network
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