Reflections of A Leader
Leadership Matters!
What is leadership? How are leaders developed?
Upon hiring people, management universally hopes that their new employees develop leadership qualities . . . and they don’t know how. They know that leaders are people who are effective in what they do, are respected by others, and typically rewarded for those skills in a variety of ways . . . and they don’t know who. During the early days, weeks and months of employment, they see their hopes crumble . . . and fall . . . and they don’t know why.
Leadership Matters
As new employees look up to people around them, those that motivate others, they also share the hopes of management and dream that one day . . . they would be leaders of people, just like they’ve seen. But they don’t know when.
As they mature and gain experience, they begin to understand the deeper meaning of leadership and relate to other leaders in their lives – ministers, teachers, police officers. And later Mayors, Presidents, and CEO’s . . . One day, finally, they become one!
Looking back, they begin to ponder, now as leaders . . . all these thoughts and experiences define what desirable traits these leaders have, and the roles they play.
All of these experiences and thoughts help us determine why leadership matters. It matters because leaders make a difference – they shape the future. It matters because leaders are valued – they provide value. It matters because leadership affects the bottomline – through the frontline.
In everyone’s mind, leadership matters, especially where it matters most.
Leadership Questions, and Answers
What then is a Leader? A leader . . .
. . . is a person who sees that something needs to be done, knows that it can be done, confident that they can do it, and knows they can’t do it alone.
. . . sees that the future can be better, and helps others see that picture too.
. . . is a coach, and a motivator.
. . . views change as their ally, and is willing to take risks today for a better tomorrow.
. . . is a learner, communicator, and coordinator.
. . . takes a long view, and lets their vision keep their daily steps on track.
. . . values results, cares about the people making those results, and makes a difference in their lives.
A leader is all of these things, and more. . .
Leadership is a birthright. If so, Are Leaders Born or Made?
Chicken or egg, which goes first? Brilliant thinkers create an endless cycle out of this simple equation. I don’t want to take sides, so I’ll take both sides: Leaders are made, after they were born. I bet no one can argue that.
But for the sake of argument, let’s examine the differences of opinions . . .
When people describe someone as a “born leader” they typically mean that the person is naturally charismatic, an innate motivator, and an exceptional communicator. And it is true! Some people are blessed at birth with more natural leadership abilities than others. Perhaps men are not born equal after all, who knows.
But people in leadership roles can be great with different innate characteristics as well. And there is no single small skill-set that defines perfect leader, much more guarantee leadership success.
Everyone is born with a unique set of natural abilities, and has the capacity to develop leadership requisite – knowledge, skills and attitude to augment those abilities. Thus, leaders are made, only after being born.
So, Who is the Leader?
This question on the surface is the easiest so far. After all, some examples have already been given.
People are placed in certain roles and leadership posts . . . whether they’ve studied for the role, got elected to the role, or worked up through the role like supervisors, managers, Vice Presidents or CEO’s . . . basically speaking.
You can ask most anyone the question “Who is the leader?” and those are the kinds of answers you receive. They are right, of course, but only partially right.
Leaders aren’t leaders because of “the” title. Leaders are leaders because they lead.
Which takes us back to the previous question – “Are leaders born or made?” Yes, they are born. But there isn’t just a few that have been hand-picked by our Creator, or some random genetics. There is more to that than meets the eye.
We all know that the opportunities for leadership are endless, and the rewards are boundless. As a leader, let me ask you: Have you watched your leaders lately? Have you watched yourself closely? Have you asked the question . . .
What Makes a Great Leader?
Be well, and lead well.
ReyM
The Leaders’ Ladder
MaP Consulting offers HR and management consulting and mentoring. Email rmisoles@yahoo.com for detailed info.
