Not All Leaders….Lead

13 Mar Not All Leaders….Lead

I have a few thank you notes to complete.

They are long overdue.

But from time to time I do think about writing them – if for no other reason than to say to the recipient, “You changed my life.”

My world revolves around leaders and leadership.

It seems that I’m either consulting on the subject – or coaching current or aspiring practitioners – or delivering workshops that touch on some of its many nuances.

None of which makes me a definitive expert.

But one point we stress in almost every forum is how rare truly great leaders are.

And I mean “finding a 3 carat diamond in your backyard” kind of rare.

Which is pretty important – because a big part of my role as a consultant often involves talking people “off the roof” when it comes to their current lot in life – to include commiserating about one or more so-called “leaders” in their own organization.

I have a file folder replete with horror stories – my guess is that it could someday serve as a foundation for a follow up to The Compass Solution.

But then again, how many books on poor leaders do we need when most would suggest we simply have to walk down the hall and we’ll find a case study standing there with a coffee cup in hand.

And since I have no interest in lawsuits….

Which is why my recommendation – when I find myself skipping down the familiar “My Boss Is An Idiot” trail with a client – is usually along the following lines:

• Be glad.
• Rejoice
• Celebrate

You’re one step closer to finding – and working with – an authentic leader.

And you’ll know enough then to recognize them.

I was blessed early in my career to bump up against a great one – but too naïve to appreciate it fully for a long, long time.

Which leads me to three simple suggestions we ask clients and colleagues to consider when it comes to passing judgment on …. let’s call it…questionable leaders.

• It’s easy to be the boss – when you’re not the person doing the job. Too many sit in the “cheap seats” and criticize. Trust me when I say that being charged with managing others is an incredibly demanding task.  There are very few that are naturally equipped for the challenge.
• Even the weakest leader can benefit from a strong team player. Too many of us operate on a Pass-Fail continuum when it comes to co-workers – and we often mentally “give up” when a leader fails to pass muster.  It’s in times of crisis – when we don’t see effective positional power – that personal power can make a dramatic difference.  Translation – If you don’t have a leader, then decide to become one. Titles can be assigned – leadership must be earned. Do something.
• Your greatest learnings will not always come from the truly great leaders. For those that operate under the misguided notion that they must work with excellence to find excellence – think again.  Our world is littered with exceptional people who forged a trail in spite of the obstacles they encountered – not because of luxuries afforded them.

In quiet moments I sometimes reflect on the pretenders I encountered in my own career journey – some who actually enjoyed impressive titles and wide scope of responsibility.

I remember their impact on others – the followership that never developed.  The toxicity of the environment they created.

And I remember quietly resolving myself that I would learn from that.

It’s those that I owe a thank you note.

They showed me what leadership wasn’t – for which I am forever grateful.

And yes, in their own way – they changed my life.