Reconsider what it means to be a leader
“For the first time ever, everyone in an organization—not just the boss—is expected to lead.” The rigorous demands of business and the marketplace create more and more opportunities and positions for leaders of all kinds. In turn, “the marketplace is rewarding organizations and individuals who change things and create remarkable products and services.” If you’re a curious soul, willing to stand up and question things as they are, and yet committed enough to gather followers to seek a unified vision, you might have what it takes to fill this important position. Set aside previous notions about how difficult it might be to assume the position of a leader.
Apply inside.
Anyone can be a leader. The trouble is, most people think—as they have been trained to think—that they have to be anointed leader. They don’t. Others assume the position is already filled, so they wait for the perfect opportunity to step up. Still others expect to become leaders by working up the organizational ladder. Ironically most people miss opportunities to take on a leadership role because they don’t apply themselves at positions they hold already. We tend to look for the entitlement before we take action. Leadership is no longer conferred by titles. “You don’t have to be in charge or powerful or pretty or even connected.” You just have to be committed. Apply yourself.
“The very structure of today’s workplace
means that it’s easier than ever to change things …
individuals have more leverage than ever before.”
Leaders share certain few qualities.
Think about good leaders you know. Every one of them uses some combination of the following seven Elements of Leadership*:
- Leaders communicate their vision of the future.
- Leaders have an extraordinary amount of curiosity about the world they’re trying to change.
- Leaders use charisma (in a variety of forms) to attract and motivate followers.
- Leaders connect their followers to one another.
- Leaders create a culture around their goal and involve others in that culture.
- Leaders commit to a vision and make decisions based on that commitment.
- Leaders challenge the status quo.
Not all leaders are created equal.
In each job I have held, whether I was leading my own company or working for someone else, I looked for leadership. When I wasn’t chief, I found ways to fill in the spaces—which I viewed as opportunities—that my bosses left in their wake. Though I am not extremely charismatic, I made up for it by demonstrating my loyalty and commitment through my actions. Call it work ethic. I also assembled followers by choosing my words carefully and giving them stories that they can tell themselves. This freed them to interpret in their own way the Vision set forth by the company. And as CEO, I always remember being the most charged when an employee of mine stepped up to the plate and began to lead and challenge and question. It made me feel more successful.
There’s an opening for you, right now, whatever your current situation might be. If you think you’re ready, commit yourself and reconsider what it means to be a leader.
HIT Solutions believes the more your business keeps up with important trends, the more you will improve your product, and improve your bottom line.
Leave me your comments below; share your thoughts.
*The passage “Elements of Leadership” and all quotes are based on or borrowed from the book Tribes by Seth Godin.