Strip me down naked, and what do I bring?

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.