Good, we need leaders more than ever. My definition of a leader is someone who can point to some followers — right? Right —
An Alternative Take On A Well Worn Topic
Thick & Thin?
I’m not sure about the whole leadership thing anymore. I don’t know about you but I find it hard to put my finger on what makes a leader these days.
Q. What is it that would make me follow someone through thick and thin?
Thick & Fast?
I’ve met some brilliant leaders. I’ve made some notes too.
I’m pretty sure they know who they are because I’ve stayed working with them — following them over many years. Not like a bunny boiling stalker – more as a supporter of their mission.
Q. Why is it that some folk are put into leadership positions, some never should be but just assume the position, and others that aren’t given that title are the ones I actually follow?
1. Humility
To me a leader isn’t difficult to spot. It’s because they inspire. It’s a human thing. A quality not a title. In fact when the title comes first — before the humility — they aren’t leaders. I wouldn’t follow them anywhere. Not even to the gallows.
Q. Why are some people fitted with humility and others don’t even know the word?
2. Human Being
Another mystery to me. We seem to have bred a world full of grey, male, pale, automaton, coin operated zombies — and, beyond customs people and politicians, there’s a much wider scale problem too.
A lot of so called ‘leaders’ seem to assume they can stop being of flesh and blood. You know, they think they don’t need hearts, charm or decency.
Q. What made them think like this? Yes, that's correct — it means we have to be activists — destroy their habitats and havens — blow up the systems and conditions of societal stupidity that put them there.
3. Creative
OK, I need to declare an interest. A bias, maybe even a projection — and a prejudice too. Apologies. This means I will ONLY follow someone if they have the capacity to be fucking creative.
And I don’t mean design a logo — although that’s one definition. I mean solve problems, create value, make a difference. Do shit!
Q. I’ve done the math — can you check please? — my definition of creativity above seriously narrows down the possible number of leaders I COULD follow to around 7.5 Billion people and counting. That right?
4. Engaging
Well, many people are never going to get followed because they are just dull. Some people think they can just spout garbage. They have probably read a book —only without understanding it.
And then proceed to bore me to death.
Q. Is it just me that’s had it with all the armchair psycho-babble that just adds to the noise? We need more signal people! Do something to impact this world. Put something (anything) into practice. FFS
5. Awake
I’m staggered by people who just don’t get it. It’s clear we’re living in the most incredible times. Yep, full of the worst criminals, inequities and corrupt practices ever. That’s – EVER.
Come on people, humans have used tools since we lived in caves. Get technology into perspective, use the bloody stuff. Stop thinking that as a leader you don’t have to stoop as low as getting your hands dirty with it.
Q. Why are leaders so distant from the tools that would change the world? Tools they’ve signed off as crucial for their business. Why can’t we even get many of them on fucking Twitter? What’s so hard?
.
6. Trooper
I follow the ingenious person. The ones that aren’t afraid of squeezing through an underwater crevice with one breath while fighting off a shark. Skinning a snake for supper, building a safe place for the night out of trees and a folded newspaper.
And beyond the meeting they will take us on walks through forests and up mountains without even blinking.
Q. What happened to ingenuity anyway? We are all dying from sniper fire so why is our leader checking the Health & Safety policy?
7. Alchemist
We’ve started to learn that innovators are desperately needed. No shit Sherlock. Thing is, it turns out that innovation is resisted by most business. The leaders are averse to risk. Oh really.
What’s needed are the rare people that can bring it all together. People that can get under the skin. Folk who can be truthful in a way that can solve the problem. At the same time knowing how to manage ego’s. The ego’s of — well — what get’s called ‘leaders’.
Q. Why is big enterprise filled with people who are called leaders but don’t tick many of these boxes?
8. Courage
Many a leader I’ve known isn’t. Isn’t because they’ve never been accountable. Not prepared to make a decision. That’s no bloody use.
The world is a paradox. So much opportunity – so much scary shit. Give me a break you so called leaders. Get a backbone or ship out. Retire. You’ve had enough time. At least have the courage to do that.
Q. Why am I sounding so angry? This isn’t angry – this is positive and what I actually feel. If you disagree then let’s have the discussion. More soon…