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Patricia McLagan is a name synonymous with leadership and adult learning. With a career spanning over five decades, McLagan has worked with top executives, large corporations, and government agencies around the world. Her contributions to leadership development and organizational change have left an indelible mark on the field.
Patricia McLagan was born and raised in Minnesota. Her interest in adult learning and leadership development began early in her life. After completing her education, she taught at the University of Minnesota’s General College and then went on to launch and grow her company, McLagan International. After consulting for several years with South African businesses and government entities, she moved to South Africa before the Mandela election, where she lived and worked for ten years. Her experiences in South Africa, particularly during the end of apartheid, played a significant role in shaping her approach to leadership and organizational change.
McLagan’s career is a testament to her dedication to helping leaders and all of us navigate complex changes. She has worked with some of the world’s largest corporations as they faced major changes in organizations like General Electric (GE), AT&T, and NASA. Her work has involved developing leadership programs, assisting with technological changes, and preparing organizations for significant transitions.
One of her notable contributions was during her time in South Africa, where she worked with government and business organizations to help them prepare for the end of apartheid. This involved setting up learning and leadership programs to help emerging black leaders develop the skills needed to take on higher positions in companies and the government.
McLagan’s work has significantly influenced the field of leadership development. She has helped organizations understand power dynamics and the importance of ethical leadership. Her approach emphasizes the need for leaders to be aware of their influence and the responsibilities that come with it.
McLagan is also a prolific writer. She has authored many articles and several books, including “The Age of Participation,” “Change Is Everybody’s Business,” and “The Shadow Side of Power: Lessons for Leaders and Their Supporters.” Her books focus on the responsible use of power, the importance of participation in democracy, and the challenges of leadership.
“The Shadow Side of Power” is particularly notable for its unique approach. Inspired by Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” McLagan created a story that explores the seven deadly sins of leadership. The book is both a narrative and a teaching tool, highlighting the importance of awareness, integrity, and ethical use of power. It is also a book for followers who make and support people in power.
McLagan’s philosophy revolves around the responsible use of power and the importance of helping people grow with change. She believes that leaders have a duty to develop their organizations and the people in them to ensure they are prepared to face the challenges of a changing world. In the process, she has always focused on helping people at all levels, from top executives to semi-literate individuals, take on their own power and contribute positively to their organizations and communities. Her impact is evident in the many leaders she has trained and the organizations she has helped transform.
She has also served on professional and community boards, including as Chair of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation. McLagan’s work has inspired many to adopt a more ethical and participatory approach to leadership, ensuring that power is used wisely and for the benefit of all.
Now primarily writing, McLagan continues to contribute thought leadership on leadership and democracy. She is working on a memoir and plans to write more articles that explore the intersection of leadership and ethics. Her goal is to ensure that future leaders are aware of the responsibilities that come with power and are prepared to use it for the greater good.
Patricia McLagan’s career is a shining example of the impact that dedicated and ethical leadership can have on the world. Her contributions to adult learning, leadership development, and organizational change have helped shape the field and inspire countless leaders. As she continues to write and share her insights, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence and inspire future generations of leaders.
Patricia McLagan’s journey from Minnesota to South Africa and beyond showcases the transformative power of resilience, dedication, and ethical leadership. Her work serves as a reminder that true leadership is not just about holding a position of power but about using that power responsibly to help others grow and succeed.
