Leadership & Cognition: A Cup of Thought

By: Brent Stackhouse, MBA

Consultancy Firm Manager

AB, International Relations, William & Mary

MBA, Management, Troy University

The Stackhouse Agency, LLC

www.StackhouseAgency.com

November 9, 2015

Discussions of leadership have taken on particular nuances over the decades. One determinant of leadership is cognition. Research into common views has shown leadership from a perspective of being differentiated from management and as a key aspect of management. Some believe leadership is not to be achieved without a dismantling of a title of leader. A leader must have some sense of connection with others, if such a person is not characterized by some distinguished manner. That connection may appear to be a level of ease and facility, yet a leader is not necessarily detached from the esteem to engage in particular tasks.

Esteem and task-completion may at times be achieved with a powerful fastener, Purpose, through a mental concept (e.g., a title). One in such a role is not to lose an understanding that a leader must develop qualities, at times in concert with others, at times with deep personal contemplation and self-understanding.

Cognition allows the leader to take decisive action. Cognition allows for an understanding of a particular role and the capacity to meet an objective. Nuances may vary over time. Impact may take place through a direct connection at a particular time. Perspectives of leadership may prove efficacious and sustaining, regardless of a particular time frame-due to an understanding of cognition.

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Representation of specific organizations is not implied.