Conductivity

It was so great to get some feedback and engagement following yesterday’s blog post. Much of the following flow (haha) out of some insights and reflections from a friend who nerds out on this stuff!

So what does it mean to be a conductive leader?

In the context of energy flow, conductors are known for freedom and free flow. 

In a conductor, like copper, electric current can flow freely. 

The outer electrons of their atoms are loosely bound and free to move through the material. 

Non-metallic solids like plastic or timber are said to be good insulators, having extremely high resistance to the flow of charge through them.

Insulators hold tightly to their electrons, and represent more of a high-control environment.

My preference for a leadership style would be more copper than plastic. 

But even in conductors like copper, there are some bounds placed on the electrons.

There’s not total freedom. Leaders must purposefully determine where the boundaries lie.

And there are certain forms of energy we wouldn’t want to see flow through our system to those we’re leading.

So perhaps a better question than “How’s your conductivity as a leader?” is: 

“Are you aware of your natural disposition towards either extreme?”

And:

“Can you appropriately adjust your level of conductivity for the various people and contexts you pour your energy into?”