After reading the Spiller et al. (2020) article, Paradigm warriors: Advancing a radical ecosystems view of collective leadership from an Indigenous Māori perspective, I was struck with the powerful and profound notion of collective leadership. This idea, belief, and philosophy is one I have yet to explore. However, it embodies how leadership truly should be. 

I was raised in a western worldview where “leadership referred to the capacity of an individual to convince others to accept/follow his decisions and/or the associated underlying paradigm” (Vignola et al., 2017, p. 85). Leaders were determined by their strength, charisma, and ability to captivate, sway, and, in many ways, to this day still are. The Maori worldview brings forth the idea of collective leadership as a “new and emerging paradigm” (Spiller et al., 2020, p. 516). It is so vastly different than the western views of leadership that they are nearly incomparable. 

Collective leadership stems from an ecosystems view where relationships “across generations and across living and non-living entities” are valued with high regard (Spiller et al., 2020, p. 517). It is a paradigm that diverts from the “hierarchical, vertical, and individualized leadership styles to collective, horizontal forms” (Spiller et al., 2020, p. 517). I am deeply inspired by this paradigm, as it gives way to welcoming Indigenous knowledge into the present and future of climate action leadership. Leadership is not linear. It is fluid and circular. Leading through story, relationship, and vision is such a profound way to lead.

Collective leadership is rooted in Indigenous ecological knowledge, social ecological systems, and a Maori worldview. Three pillars that can educate and inform of the inevitable impacts of climate change. It is also rooted in wisdom passed on through proverbs, stories, parables, song, dance, and carvings (Spiller et al., 2020, p. 518). Collective leadership, therefore, becomes a part of culture, spirituality, and history. Past becomes a blueprint for present and future. It makes so much sense to me. I deeply believe that no one person can undue what has been done to our land and waters. We are to blame for those actions and wrongdoings. However, ‘collectively’ is the way forward. Spiller et al. (2020) add, “it is through the collective will of others that leaders earn respect, not through self proclamation and self assertion” (p. 518). The greatest leaders lead knowing that they are on this earth for a fraction of time and that their actions are meant to carve a way forward for generations to come. To me, that is climate action leadership at its core; a willingness to dedicate one’s life and professional pursuits to an unknown future. 

When I think of leadership what comes to mind is engaging community. How do we effectively join hands to create lasting, positive, and impactful change? How do leaders uplift more leaders in the climate action space? I had never heard of collective leadership before but it feels that it has been there inside of me all along. Knowing that the most powerful change comes from common ground and seeing eye to eye with our peers. Understanding that in order to lead in a good way comes with it a responsibility to represent those that speak but also those that do not. As climate action leaders, we are representing the land we walk and the air that we breath. We are representing all of our ancestors, all of our journeys, and all of our histories. 

References

Spiller, C., Maunganui Wolfgramm, R., Henry, E., & Pouwhare, R. (2019). Paradigm warriors: Advancing a radical ecosystems view of collective leadership from an Indigenous Māori perspective. Human Relations, 73(4), 516–543. https://doi.org/ 10.1177/0018726719893753

Vignola, R., Leclerc, G., Morales, M., & Gonzalez, J. (2017). Leadership for moving the climate change adaptation agenda from planning to action. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 26-27, 84–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cosust.2017.03.005