Chapter 5: Denizen Leaders as Radical Negotiators of Third Alternatives in Complex Societies: Not Yours, Not Mine, But Ours

Socially just leadership ensures equal participation and resources for all, and thus requires a clear set of principles (Noble, 2015a, 2015b). Socially just leaders are proactive, engage in transformative behaviours and are acutely aware of societal issues (Snyder, 2013). They show courage, persistence and commitment to a social justice agenda; encourage participation; rely on inclusive communication and examine their own assumptions and biases (Bogotch, 2002).

Leaders in complex societies are negotiators between opposing parties, using processes and principles to reach ‘third alternatives’ (Covey, 2011) — not win-lose, lose-lose or impasse — to resolve conflict. Negotiators need to see the problem from a different perspective than that of the opposing parties (Fisher, Ury, & Patton, 1987, 2011). This requires denizen leadership — people who are of that place, but whose world view differs from that of their colleagues, competitors and foes.