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Leading and Learning Through Myth and Metaphor

In: Mythical Inspirations for Organizational Realities

Author

Listed:
  • Lena Fritzén

    (Växjö University)

Abstract

A group of about 20 city council directors takes a study trip to Toronto as part of a leadership-training course, in order to compare the Swedish and Canadian health care systems. The purpose of the course is to discover new organizational improvements that can contribute to improving the Swedish health care system. Even if everyone in the group has much experience with leadership, so far it has proven difficult to put into words the characteristics that leadership for change should embody in a complex organization. Theoretical models from various subject perspectives have been presented and discussed; yet the participants have still not been able to fully reflect on or question their own leadership. The group’s discussions have taken place at the abstract level, which means that the group members’ established ideas of the health care system and their own leadership have not changed at all. After a long trip over the Atlantic, the study trip to Toronto begins with a sightseeing trip to Niagara Falls. During the visit something happens that opens the group up for a different type of discussion. The power of the falls, their sheer height, human beings’ insignificance in contrast to the enormous forces of nature, and a sense of wonder at the beauty of nature all meld together to form a new picture that summarizes the complexity of organizational change and what it means to find oneself on the brink of chaos.

Suggested Citation

  • Lena Fritzén, 2008. "Leading and Learning Through Myth and Metaphor," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Monika Kostera (ed.), Mythical Inspirations for Organizational Realities, chapter 12, pages 150-162, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-0-230-58359-7_14
    DOI: 10.1057/9780230583597_14
    as

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