Ingalill Holmberg and Mats Tyrstrup contribute to the volume The work of managers, edited by Stefan Tengblad and published by Oxford University Press. Have a look at the volume presentation!
Synopsis of the chapter:
Ingalill Holmberg and Mats Tyrstrup describe their study of the events that 62 managers at a telecom company think typify managerial leadership. The author’s in-depth analysis of such events reveals that leadership is mainly about facilitating work processes that are interrupted by unforeseen events in ambiguous circumstances. To a considerable extent, everyday leadership is reactive and driven by urgent demands. The work outcomes are often unexpected. An important implication of this study is that improvising skills are normally more essential than planning and forecasting skills in helping managers cope with urgent job demands.
Holmberg, I. and Tyrstrup, M. (2012). 'Managerial leadership as event-driven improvisation'. In: Tengblad, S. (Ed.). The Work of Managers. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, pp. 47-68.