For most of human history, just about every culture has had the same basic idea.
To succeed as a society we need an exceptional individual to take charge and tell us what to do. We give them a magical title like Prince or President or Prime Minister or Pope, some special costumes [especially a big hat] and lots of opulent buildings to lead us from.
But no matter who ends in charge, the end result is always the same: our tired old problems remain unfixed, buried under a pile of fresh pile of brand-new problems. Our leaders inevitably fall very short, not only of our expectations but of our needs and we pin our hopes on the next contender for the Big Job; maybe they will be The One we’ve all been waiting for.
This approach to leadership is a proven strategy- it’s been proven not to work for centuries now.
Maybe it’s time to rethink this whole leadership thing.
Three Key Terms
Let’s clean up our terminology, particularly the three terms people use interchangeably.
Boss, Leader and Manager – because they are not the same thing. We’ve worked with Managers who are not Bosses, Leaders who are not Managers and – sadly – Bosses who are no Leaders.
Let’s be clear about the usefulness and limitations of each role and when we do – and don’t – need them.
Used to being in command and typically gets their own way, even when they’re in the wrong. Very handy in situations where no-one is prepared to make any kind of decision, good or bad. May or may not be a leader or even that much of a manager.
Ensures the smooth running of the Status Quo until given further instructions and keeps a close eye on pressing, short-term issues. May exhibit Boss and/or Leader-like qualities under special conditions. Essential to the health of any human enterprise.
Entrusted with the vision, values and culture of the group and to stay focussed on the larger, long-term challenges and opportunities. Expected to embody the spirit of the culture and its aspirations. May [reluctantly] switch to Manager and/or Boss Mode if absolutely necessary.
Perhaps we could take a break from talking about the ‘qualities’ of leadership and start thinking about its responsibilities…
We think that there are five big questions that every leader must face:
- Do I see what is needed?
- Do I have what is needed?
- Am I willing to give it?
- Can I motivate and empower others to help me?
- Am I willing to step back to allow others to lead?
And let’s challenge the old assumption that leadership is a position to be filled by one, superhuman at a time and instead explore the notion of leadership as a team sport played by multiple, ordinary humans with diverse talents and experiences working towards a common goal.
It’s not a position to be held by one but a moment to be seized by many.
