I just returned from my sister’s 35th year high school reunion. The reunion was fun and comparing people’s photos from the year book 35 years ago was quite an experience. I was impressed with the success of the reunion event as well as the tasks accomplished by each committee. There was a spirit of pride among the class members in attendance that reflected support in fulfilling the purpose of the event: to establish a college scholarship fund.

I was curious to know the ‘behind the scenes’ making of the reunion and how people responded to the chairperson’s leadership. I challenged myself to research and identify the leadership style and influence in order to satisfy my curiosity. It was evident to me the chairperson’s leadership style was Participative Leadership because of the involvement and inclusion of the committee members responsibilities and decision making process.

Participative Leadership seeks to involve other people in the process, possibly including subordinates, peers, superiors and other stakeholders. Most participative activity is within the immediate team; for example, the committee members. (changingminds.org) The chairperson involved committee members in the process by giving them the freedom to make decisions regarding internal activities (decorations, music, etc.) and external activities (program design, outside contractors, etc.) that would reflect integrity of the committee. The chairperson’s participative leadership style helped participants through the following:

• Committee members’ involvement in the decision-making process enables them to have a greater understanding of purpose for creating a successful event.
• Committee members’ are more committed to actions because of involvement with relevant decision-making.
• Committee members are less competitive and more collaborative when they are working on joint goals.

The chairperson allowed the committee members access into the decision making process and allowed them to be participants. When people make decisions together, the social commitment to one another is greater and thus increases their commitment to the decision. (changingminds.org)

What influence type characterized the chairperson? Ujjal Bhattachargee writes that people can be motivated by beliefs, values, interests, fear, worthy causes, and other such forces. The chairperson was able to influence by exemplifying belief in the committee members abilities, the value of committee members contributions, and the interests the committee members displayed by their attendance and camaraderie at the pre-planning meetings. She was sensitive to committee members needs and was able to handle the decision making process by inclusion of committee members. The chairperson aligned the internal needs of the committee and conducted business meetings uniting values, moral, and ethic principles to exemplify leadership support. The chairperson’s influential characteristics were seen through Bhattachargee guidelines at the event:

• Reward good behavior
• Set the example
• Develop moral and spirit
• Let your people be part of the planning and problem solving
• Look out for your people and make their jobs challenging, exciting, and meaningful
• Counsel people who behave in a way that are counter to the company’s goals.

I was told the chairperson gave her time and attention on a 24/7 basis up to the day of the event. Her commitment contributed to the influence factor.

I believe people practice leadership style and influence every day and operate in many dimensions: business, education, military, and just life in general. Who would think to associate a leadership style to a class reunion event? What are the chances of the success of an event without leadership/followership influence? Proverbs 12:14 says that a man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him. (NASB) I believe Proverbs 12:14 validates the influence process through leadership’s demonstration of unity, and commitment, working towards the ultimate purpose of the event: establishing a scholarship fund for students. Was the reunion a success? Yes, it was loads of fun, laughter, and fellowship. You would never know who was on the leadership team or who took the limelight at the event. All the committee members were recognized at the event as well as a special standing ovation given to the leader who proved to be a selfless, sacrificing individual.

Would you pay out of pocket to support an event that had no leadership style or influence? I believe being aware of leadership styles and influences can enlighten our understanding of people in our lives, our work place, and our community. The next time you attend a social event, an employee meeting, or a family gathering, identify the type of leadership style and influence that functions “behind the scenes” to create a successful event.

Martinez, G. 2007. Committee Member Interview. Brackenridge 35th High School Reunion,

La Villita Assembly Hall, San Antonio, Texas

NASB Giant Print Reference Bible, Personal Size. 2000. The Zondervan Corporation. Grand Rapids, MI.

http://changingminds.org/disiplines/leadership/styles/participative_leadership.htm

http://www.humanlinks.com/manres/articles/effective_leadership.htm

Tags: high school reunion, influence, leadership style

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