I often
think through how companies view their leaders or the thought process that goes
into a selection of leadership. In all
cases, these selections are expected to represent a company, and the core
values that they stand for, from top to bottom.
Some choose to hire within, where track records or previous indicators may
point to leaders in the making. Others
start in black and white with nothing more than a resume. In each instance, there is a hit or miss
dilemma, based on instinct and first impressions. Win or loose, the decisions made during this
critical moment change the course of an organization, for the good or the bad. Some leadership decisions make an impact
immediately, while most take time to reveal their paths. Time is critical, and unfortunately there are
no perfect answers as to how long it should take. If a group waits too long and invests too
much time into a miss, it’s effects could already spell disaster or unravel
years of hard work developing culture or reputations. Intended path, and where one actually lands
relies heavily on the pre-established leaders and their corrective action if
core principles veer of course.
So what
are companies looking for? It really
depends on the scenario before that group or the path in which a company wishes
to pursue. So much weight is placed on preconceived notches of success, or an
idea of what makes a good leader. Some
are tried and true, such as institutions known for churning out leaders. I believe success is defined by an
individual, and not by anyone other than themselves. I mean, not everyone rolls out each morning
with desires of greatness, some remain content putting in a hard days
work. No one has the right to say that
effort is good or bad, and in the individual contributors world this may be
very satisfying. Who are we to judge? Many, many generations have made a living
doing just that, and this country was built on hard work. My point is this, there is no perfect
science. Neither holding a degree, or
years in the business makes one fit to lead.
You can hone your skills no matter what you do or how long you have been
doing it. Leadership is no
different. In fact, you have to
constantly be searching for new ideas or techniques keeping your release
fresh. The last thing you want is to
become stagnant and predictable. That
won’t motivate a soul, nor produce an ounce of substance.
I look at
leaders like this. If you were to be
placed on an island of survival, what do you bring? In another words, strip the leader of all things
material, degrees, experience, resume, reputation, and see what can they do
without them. This to me defines who can
lead, and who cannot. Take one out of
their elements and see what happens.
Successful leaders excel no matter what arena they are placed in. Natural leaders adapt and find ways to
succeed using their guts. Their ability
to analyze and execute is truly amazing.
Attributes key to making these critical moves start with fine tuned
listening skills, realizing they cannot act alone, and that they must rely on
others strengths to compensate for their own weaknesses. This is where I believe the greatest failures
in leadership occur. Not recognizing
your faults, finding ways to compensate, or putting people around you that
excel in your areas of weakness can spell disaster. It’s not easy to expose
yourself, but don’t be afraid. Realizing
this and filling these voids can become your greatest attribute. Go to that island, strip yourself down, and
see what you bring.
