No one truly understands Leadership – that is why so many books are written about it, with each author giving their own “formula” for success. I have read dozens of them and although the titles often include the term “Leadership” – what they are essentially talking about is how to get other people to do something they wouldn’t otherwise do in exchange for money or reward.
This is not Leadership – this is Management.
I have seen plenty of “Leaders” who hide behind the veil of Management in the belief that their position within a corporate structure somehow transforms them into gurus and experts that should be listened to and copied at every opportunity. Take away their position in the company and they crumble, very few will actually admit that they became good Managers and anointed Leaders simply because of the elevated positions they were promoted to in someone else’s organisation; they believe it was them all along…
It is relatively easy to be a great leader when you pay salaries to everyone so that they follow you, and if they don’t follow you; they get fired…
So what is Leadership..?
First, Managers do not need to be Leaders – they have authority given to them; they have rules, regulations and procedures to use to control people in order to produce a specific result. If a Manager is a Leader as well – then they will be truly effective and it will show in their results and in the spirit and culture of their company.
Second, Leaders do not need to be good Managers – they lead by example with the consent of their teams and those associated with their cause or vision. Leaders don’t pay people to follow them; they attract and inspire them to.
In business we have to be Leaders in our own respective fields, whether that is thought, technology, service, product or quality. Our clients have a choice, and only those who are capable of leading and inspiring their teams and their clients will be truly successful. A great Leader will hire great Managers and attract people, clients and associates to achieve the Vision.
So a question for you – who is following you without being paid to do so…?
How would you have to behave, what value would you need to add and how inspiring and attractive would you need to become such that you were truly a Leader in your field..?
Leadership is about Vision, Passion and Commitment to a cause or objective – this will encourage people to follow you or decide not to – most leaders are loved and despised equally; mediocrity is not an effective Leadership position.
To be great Leader become evangelical about whom you really are, what you do, why you do it and your purpose in life – it’s time to stand for something and go public. Then take action to achieve your visions and dreams; the right people will follow you and the Leader will emerge.
Remember, Managers get Qualified – Leaders get Identified
