People secure leadership positions in one of four ways. First, they apply for a position they are qualified for and deemed to be the best candidate. Second, they inherit a position left vacant by an outgoing leader. They may not be the best qualified, but they are the next in line, the most logical replacement. Third, they play political games within the organization and position themselves to be promoted or a successor. Lastly, they are hired from outside the company because their appears to be no competent replacements within the company.
Leadership is not a title. Leadership is a character trait that allows people to follow, trust, believe, and support. Leadership comes with responsibility, accountability, and transparency. Responsibility includes managing the mission, vision, and strategic plan of the organization. Leaders are responsible for ensuring the stability and sustainability of the organization. Accountability includes the care of the people who work for the organization, fiscal integrity, and ownership of issues that affect the growth and maturity of the organization. Transparency includes openness and honesty about strengths, weaknesses, challenges, obstacles, and successes. Transparency includes allowing your core to see you at your highest and lowest points personally, and professionally.
There are several leadership styles which I will not outline in this blog. However, true leaders are aware of their style, its importance in building other leaders, and its impact on the life of the organization. Leaders who do not understand their leadership style are often unaware of their leadership acumen - the ability to set goals and facilitate outcomes or results. Facilitation is a key attribute of sound leadership. Leaders get others involved in the process and refuse to be the central figure in making decisions. They refuse to be the smartest person in the room.
Thriving companies have excellent leadership in key positions of authority. They understand business, economics, finance, people, and know the role each plays in company efficiency. They position people around them they trust with doing their jobs. They know everything that is going on, but rely upon skilled professionals to be their eyes and ears. Great companies recognize great leadership and give those people assignments that keep business moving forward, offering stability to operations, and confidence from the team.
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