De facto leaders continue to fascinate me. Unfortunately, too many of them do not read the fine print in their job descriptions. Instead, they lead by fear tactics, exaggeration, and gamesmanship.
What is worse is that so many assumed leaders take their positions and influence for granted. They assume the lead job automatically comes with a corner office, title, and name plate but little or no responsibility. For how long will followers allow those who lead them to perpetuate this leadership charade?
Every day, we are all in both leadership and follower positions. This happens in our homes, our communities, and our workplace. Sometimes we are giving direction and taking the lead on a community project. Other times we are following directions for a workplace assignment. Nonetheless, we must be keenly aware of the expectations and follow suit.
But, how we respond when we are handed the leadership gavel? Do we penalize followers or subordinates for not knowing our rules of order? Do we abuse the privilege by playing “gotcha” games letting our followers catch up or catch on? Do we let our followers veer too far in the deep end swim lesson or do we shed some light on helpful treading water strategies?
Regardless of what we do, it is important that we consider what good leaders do. By doing this, we will ensure success for leaders and followers alike. Our dysfunctional infrastructures and fragile society can no longer tolerate mediocre leadership!
Robert Greenleaf, noted founder of the servant leadership concept, once said that “the servant-leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. The conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.”
Let us all consider taking steps everyday when we become leaders. Let us focus on serving others rather than the other way around.
Dawn McCoy
author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
