Leadership : an open palm conversation

Abstract

Leadership is a defining feature of the success and survival of social political institutions and worldviews. Traditional studies of leadership, however, tend to be limited to a Western masculine archetype. This viewpoint does not take into account the diversity of leadership demonstrated by various civilizations down through the ages, thus making it ill-equipped to deal with the challenges facing humanity today. In an attempt to offer an alternative view, this paper explores the meaning of leadership from the perspective of an open palm conversation, a discussion between individuals who gain understanding through an open exchange of ideas. The participants in this conversation are all representative of the Golden Ages of their respective civilizations. The aim of this paper is to provide a new inclusive understanding of leadership, one that transcends time and place, culture and religion, gender and self and offers the possibility of overcoming war, violence, hatred, poverty, and starvation.