LEADERSHIP: What it is … what it is NOT!
PART ONE – The Intro –
1. Why / 2. What / 3. So What / 4. Now What
THE PURPOSE: To inspire others to … BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Note: This blog is the second section of PART ONE – The Intro … ONE.2 – The WHAT. Please read the first blog in this series if you haven’t already - ONE.1 – The WHY.
2. The WHAT
What makes a great leader? What do you think are the most essential qualities required?
Here’s my short, somewhat summarized version of the mass of theory on leadership development; … yes, the topic is a favourite read of mine and my Masters in Management case study papers some years ago, focused strongly on this.
Firstly, there is no such thing as a ‘born leader’. Sure, some natural personality tendencies may seemingly fit the commonly expected leadership mould better than others; … however great leaders do not become great by luck or chance. It is by choice … we each choose our behaviours and yes, leadership is a behaviour choice.
Now, while you may think it takes a certain style of individual to become a really great leader [like you’ve either got it or you don’t]; … I believe leaders come in all shapes and sizes; … and leadership behaviour can be developed and demonstrated from all positions; … regardless of what chair you sit in, what role you play, what age or gender you are, or how you present yourself [your looks, your style]. None of that matters greatly or stops you from demonstrating real leadership behaviour.
Many of the world’s great leaders were not instantly GREAT … they became great through developing key traits that assisted them in being better, more successful leaders; … AND then were perceived by others as great leaders through their actions. Ahhhaa … so being one [or thinking you are one], and what others may be observing, can be two very different views. Yes, unfortunately this is not only a common scenario in our communities today, it is way too commonly accepted as the ‘norm’; … in that all leaders crave self-importance and expect to be pandered to [don’t they?]; … what?; … even if their behaviours are poor and they don’t deserve it?; … that somehow their position commands a level of respect, regardless of their demonstrated behaviour?.
REALLY? … For me, respect for a leader has to be earned; … and once lost, generally through broken trust or unethical behaviours, it’s almost impossible for a ‘would be leader’ to redeem themselves from there. Just saying … [more examples of this later in the series].
REAL leadership development starts with high levels of honest self-awareness and self-management; … because until a leader understands their own behaviours and what drives them; … and learns to manage that in a resourceful way; … and portray their GENUINE self to the world; … they can’t successfully lead others. Eventually people see through disingenuous behaviour; … you know – all puff and bluff, no substance. The sugar coating wears off to reveal no chocolate inside.
Leaders must walk their talk; … believe in a vision and direction; … action it as role-models; … lead, inspire and empower others. Simply put …
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way”
– John Maxwell
To read more online, click on Part ONE.3 – The SO WHAT
or
To download the full article – PART ONE – The Intro – 1. Why / 2. What / 3. So What / 4. Now What -in printable PDF format, click here: - LEADERSHIP – What is IS … What it is NOT … series
