Growing the Leader in Us
"For what we've discovered, and rediscovered, is that leadership
isn't the private reserve of a few charismatic men and women.
It's a process ordinary people use when they're bringing forth
the best from themselves and others. Liberate the leader in
everyone, and extraordinary things happen."
-- James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, The Leadership
Challenge: How to Keep Getting Extraordinary Things Done in
Organizations
Leadership is a verb, not a noun. Leadership is action, not a
position. Leadership is defined by what we do, not the role we
are in. Some people in "leadership roles" are excellent leaders.
But too many are bosses, "snoopervisors," technocrats,
bureaucrats, managers, commanders, chiefs, and the like.
Conversely, many people who have no formal leadership role are
excellent leaders. In today's fast changing world, we all need
to be leaders.
To lead is to show the way by going in advance. To lead is to
guide or direct a course of action. To lead is to influence the
behavior or opinion of others. We all need to be leaders,
regardless of our formal title or role. This starts with inner
self-leadership and moves outward to influence, guide, support,
and lead others. The process of becoming a leader is the same as
the process of becoming a highly effective human being.
Leadership development is personal development. Leadership
ultimately shows itself in what we do "out there." But it starts
"in here."
It would be easy if we could all become leaders by following a
simple set of steps. But the journey of personal growth means
finding our own way. There are, however, critical areas of
personal development based on timeless principles. The distance
we need to grow along each leadership dimension will differ for
each of us, but defining and continually growing along each of
these paths is the way of the leader.
Strong leaders are well-rounded and constantly expanding their
personal leadership across these key areas:
* Choose Not to Lose - Whether we choose to focus on our
problems or our possibilities is a key leadership issue. When we
are faced with obstacles and failure, those who can overcome
adversity and learn from their experiences, turning them into
opportunities, are the ones who will be truly successful.
* Focus and Context. THE CORE OF MY BEING: This is central to
our growth along all the other dimensions. Our Focus and Context
is shaped by three vital questions: Where am I going? (my
vision); What do I believe in? (my principles and values) and;
Why do I exist? (my purpose or mission).
* Responsibility For Choices. IF IT'S TO BE, IT'S UP TO ME:
Leadership means accepting responsibility for our choices in
life. Leaders realize that life accumulates, that choice more
than chance determines their circumstances. They refuse to
succumb to the "Victimitus Virus" ("it's all their fault" and
"there's nothing I can do").
* Authenticity. GETTING REAL: Leadership isn't just what we do,
it's something that we are, which then drives what we do.
Genuine leadership comes from within. It's authentic, and based
on honesty, integrity, and trust. We must ring true to ourselves
by exploring our inner space, gathering feedback on our personal
behavior, and ensuring consistency with our stated values and
principles. * Passion and Commitment. BEYOND NEAR-LIFE
EXPERIENCES: Successful people are energized by a love for what
they do because it brings them ever closer to who they are. They
overcome apathy and cynicism, develop a burning commitment to
their cause, and with discipline achieve their dreams and
desires.
* Spirit and Meaning. WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL: What is the
purpose of our work? Of our lives? Material success alone is not
enough. Leaders seek within - and find something more. In what
is too often a mad dash from cradle to grave, we need to take
time - in work and life - to nourish our inner selves.
* Growing and Developing. FROM PHASE OF LIFE TO WAY OF LIFE: The
popular goals of security, stability, and predictability are
deadly. The closer we get to these dangerous goals, the more our
growth is stunted. True and lasting security comes from constant
growth and development, based on regular R&R (reflection and
renewal).
* Mobilizing and Energizing. PUTTING EMOTIONS IN MOTION: Leaders
don't motivate with rewards and punishments. Whether at home or
in the workplace, they energize people to motivate themselves.
Highly effective leaders boost the energy of others with their
passion and appreciation. They engage people's hearts as well as
their minds. They get them involved and participating. They
actively nurture the "being" or culture of the group, not just
the "doing".
The more the world changes, the more leadership principles stay
the same. Leadership principles are timeless. And they apply to
all of us, no matter what role we play in society or
organizations.