ABSTRACT
This chapter offers advice and guidance on the options available, dependent upon what stage one has reached in their career development. It is important to recognise and acknowledge in a practical and pragmatic manner the complex reality of the individual operational leader. It is important to consider and indeed decide who one is working for, their immediate boss and his boss or the broader organisational community of stakeholders. If there is evidence of a fundamental resistance to the operational application of collaborative wisdom then one should offer guidance and emphasise the importance of all leaders rowing behind a single dominant logic. Collaborative wisdom comprises a simple proposition and a complex, long-term realisation. Effective operational leadership requires the courage to take decisions and resolve issues based upon critical reflection, which is itself founded upon knowledge, experience, insight and judgement. However, the nature of the opportunity is dependent upon one's position and a constantly changing organisational context.
