Leadership and me

Leaders Carry the Torch

Dictionary.com defines a leader as "a guiding or directing head."  However, when I think about a leader, the definition is not quite that simple.  It is a multi-faceted and complex theory.  A trip to the bookstore will reveal that there are many different ideas of leadership—hundreds (perhaps thousands) of books have been written on the subject.  For an example on how complex it really is, just take a look at what Wikipedia offers on the subject.

The ideas of leadership have changed over time, as have mine. I used to once think that leadership was something you were born with.  In high school, my understanding of a leader was someone who got nominated for prom king or queen.  However, through my studies in college, I have learned that you can also learn to be a leader.  And through my work experience, it has become evident that there are some bad leaders out there.

The reason these “leaders” are not good at leading is because they never look inside themselves to discover the weaknesses in their management style.  Even though we may not always like to admit it, we all have faults, and when we recognize them, they can become opportunities for improvement.  A great leader knows that leadership requires constant development; personally and professionally.

A good leader can work with many personalities and is respected by all.  They inspire people around them to do the best they can to accomplish their shared vision.  Great leaders do not falter in a crisis—they shine—creating viable solutions to problems. 

Although leaders may not necessarily be born, not everyone will be a leader.  If you want to be a leader, or at least a good one, you must be motivated to be the best you can be.  Some people are ok with their roles as subordinates in firms, and that is what makes companies run.  But the leader is the one that coaches and mentors these individuals to be successful.