Musings on Leadership

A perennial question that comes up is leadership - what is it and how do we encourage our children to become better at it? I think it is a fascinating topic and one with countless volumes of published reading material yet remains elusively out of reach for many.

Most recently I read an article on LinkedIn which related leadership to simplicity, humanity and perishability. I haven't seen this approach before having more normally associated the topic with charisma, collaboration, autocracy, facilitative, Laissez-faire or even at times in it's absence particularly in politics on the world stage.

Back to the LinkedIn article by Christopher Wright - CEO Accountability and Executive Leadership. Chris suggested that Leadership starts with belief that I can do this, I have something to say, the will to step forward. I would add that it is difficult to be simple in a complex world. Belief is definitely a strong part of the equation.

Under Humanity, Chris remarks that leaders struggle with the fallibility of being human. They have to accept flaws, in themselves and in those they lead. They set standards and they fail to meet them sometimes. This is also insightful as the failure itself is not determinative of a lack of leadership, merely that it requires a response. We often look to football teams to make a statement in their next performance after a disappointing outcome.

Perishability is a curious notion. Essentially the assertion here is that leadership happens when time, place and people demand it. Leaders fit the moment. I am not sure I completely agree yet reflect on my own lifetime that it is uncomfortably common to be the case.

Are we then to glean that we need to choose a style of leadership that is comfortable, cultivate it then hope that circumstances are such that the leadership fit is right for the time and that one needs to immediately set about the task of replacing oneself to meet the goals of simplicity, humanity and perishability. Where does communication fit into all this.

In seeking the next generation of leaders, can we distill some commonality into the search to help articulate the challenge? I think we can. Simplicity in having strong belief in themselves and the content area, a people first mentality to pay attention both to those following and to relationships over tasks.

Humanity to be likable and respected. Bold conviction of vision is useful especially if consistency between business and private values are upheld. Talking the talk is one thing, walking the walk is quite another. Matthew Inness, former Victorian fast bowler once described professionalism as being 24/7, you can't choose your days. I think leadership is the same.

Perishability suggests that leaders won't or shouldn't be threatened by growing talent as they are searching to replace themselves at all times. I haven't put it in these terms before, but I like it.

Every great leader I have ever had has built followers, not because they need to, but because of who they are, what they stand for and how they live their life, on and off field, in and out of work.

Styles may vary, but in the end, if we achieve strong direction with belief delivered with simplicity, humanity and an eye to replacing ourselves, we just may end up leaders in the eyes of those around us.