Follow The Leader

There are plenty of books, experts and opinions on leaders today. I'm not going to attempt to join the fray. I would prefer to challenge your ideas and definitions of what constitutes a good leader. Will you follow along for a minute?

I believe that right and wrong is inherent to man's nature just as purpose is. We want to achieve, to believe in something, maybe not at the same time but we want to fulfill a purpose, to feel like we matter or can at least make a difference. In order to fulfill a purpose or grasp a goal we must have knowledge - we must learn. Our mind requires it, processes it, needs it, and even demands it. Our spirit requires hope to move forward and keep fighting when it seems we can't. We may claim fame to individualism but it is society that collectively moves the country forward. We are under the influence of those who would stand above average and cause us to question our purpose, goals and reasons. They challenge our best. They frustrate us or motivate us. They make us want to be them or get far away from them. They make us proud or they embarrass us. They help us trust or they instill distrust. They inspire dreams or they crush hopes. Successful leaders understand the human potential and how to tap into it in order to perform not manipulate. They help us achieve, and in their wake leave an imprint of accomplishment, pride and purpose. Understand leadership and you will understand the human potential and ultimately how to serve it.

Transactional, authentic and transformational leaders are among the most effective. Allow me to explain.

• Transactional leaders are more likely to approach the business as a strategic planner, meaning the sleeves get rolled up with an eye on results. A leader possessing these qualities may ask what tasks need to get done and develop a plan to get them done. This is a position high in control, organization, responsibility (and accountability) for actions and effective communication of plans. Rewards are dependent on results and tend to be successful in the short-term. A transactional leader looks at what components are right for the organization and help achieve results.

• Authentic leaders are best described as those who have a well-developed self competency. They exhibit ethical behavior and understand how to communicate. In other words, they know their strengths, weaknesses and act upon their personal values and belief systems in business decisions. They can direct or encourage participation as necessary to move the business forward. Authentic leaders influence follower attitudes and behaviors with performance standards that may be higher to attain but employees believe can be reached. Authentic doesn't mean easy but translates into the ability to relate, create hope, build trust, and remain positive when the going gets tough. These leaders don't believe it is themselves that improve the situation but individuals. Authentic leadership is empowerment and optimism - not control and manipulation. This leadership type believes that diversity in ideas, solutions and human capital can improve a situation that helps individuals feel better about themselves.

• Transformational leadership is the crème de'la crème. These leaders understand how the future impacts the company and inspires employees to embrace new possibilities. Transformational leaders focus on developing others to lead or become better leaders. They encourage employees to learn through reward and challenge. These leader types are most often described as assertive risk-takers who seize upon new opportunities and shake off processes and practices no longer relevant. Transformational leaders are creative, thoughtful, and understand how technology, culture, investors, and external factors impact the company. Most importantly, these leaders use every available power source to communicate a shared vision and goals.

If you're thinking that style is overrated and leadership doesn't matter like it used to, why do words from these leaders continue to resonate?

• "Some people wonder all their lives if they've made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem." Ronald Reagan
• "For even the Son of Man came not to have service rendered to Him, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Jesus Christ
• "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right thing." Peter F. Drucker
• "The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet." Theodore M. Hesburgh
• "It is only one who is thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war that can thoroughly understand the profitable way of carrying it on." Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Take a moment to examine your leadership. Be honest and be willing to make the changes necessary to become relevant. Follow the leader becomes much more than a childhood memory, it becomes a fulfilling reality of purpose.