I can't be a leader-I'm not a VP
What makes a leader? (check all that apply)
Provide vision
Allocate resources
Develop staff
Raise money
Set the course
Create a plan
Lead the Board
Fire people
Leaders do all these things and many other tasks, but a leader does something far harder. Leadership shows when we connect with others in a way that brings out the best in the leader and others.
Leadership is:
a verb,
an action
a behavior.
The corner office does not come with a degree in leadership. Neither does a promotion or the title of Vice President. Instead, leadership is hard-earned and thoughtfully developed.
I'll share my favorite definition of leadership at the end of this short story from Inner Mastery, Outer Impact by Jitendra Wadhwa
Babette's Story
Babette, an organic chemist, was doing drug research at a lab. Her boss was a well-regarded scientist but also a very temperamental man. After taking some coaching from a renowned psychotherapist, Dr. David Burns, on how to engage better with her boss, Babette one day walked into his office to find out what he thought of a research paper they were coauthoring. He told her he had thrown it in the wastebasket because it was the "worst piece of rubbish" he'd ever seen. The paper represented months of arduous research. Babette replied,
Gordon, I'm not surprised that you thought the paper was rubbish. To be honest, I had the same feeling when I was writing it. I felt like I was rambling on and on. I'm always amazed when I read your papers because they're incredibly clear and lucid. That's one of the reasons I wanted to work with you and why I was so excited when you offered me a position last fall. The results of our research could be extremely important, and I know that if the paper were well written, it might make a tremendous impact. The paper may be beyond repair, but I'm wondering if you might have any suggestions about how I could make it better. I want to learn as much from you as I possibly can.
Wadhwa's definition of leadership is the best I've read:
"...the discipline of bringing out the best in ourselves and the best in others in all situations, in the pursuit of a common positive purpose."
Don't wait to be asked-be a leader now!