Leadership Isn’t a Title
First, I want to say that as I write this blog, I’m heartbroken about what’s happening in Ukraine. I feel so helpless. I haven’t known what to say or do, but I am thinking about it and praying a lot. The magnitude of this situation is beyond comprehension.
One bright light in all of it is the brave leadership of President Zelenskyy. There aren’t too many modern-day presidents who would do what he’s doing. And the people who have committed to staying and defending their country are awe-inspiring. I hold them all in my thoughts and prayers.
This leads me to today’s topic. Leadership isn’t a title. There are countless people who have titles that reflect status and all that goes with it, but they’re not leaders. No one follows them because they’re inspired to do so. I’ve seen several people in leadership seats who don’t deserve them. Some got the chair too soon without having the experience needed to lead. Others may have had some important experiences, but they lack empathy, confidence and competence. They usually know, but won’t admit, that they aren’t true leaders, but they may be of the mind to fake it until they make it. True leaders don’t need to fake anything.
All that aside, I’ve been incredibly impressed and inspired by people who demonstrate true leadership, yet their title and/or position in the company doesn’t reflect their leadership ability. Let me share am example:
In my book, I wrote about a young woman named Anna. When I first met Anna, she was in a manager-level position in a role that she studied for in school but it didn’t fulfill her. She and I talked often, and I quickly saw that she was a true leader. I added her to my team, and I’m overjoyed at what she’s done in a role that fulfills her and allows her leadership abilities to shine. She will get the title and all that goes with it because it’s what she deserves. And, more importantly, she is going to help others do the same. People want to follow her.
What’s important about Anna is that she didn’t wait to move into a leadership role before she started acting like a leader. She started acting like a leader first.
Sometimes acting like a leader is speaking up about something that really matters to you at a meeting. Maybe it’s volunteering in your company’s business resource council and helping your company advance inclusion. Maybe it’s politely disagreeing with a person in power or putting forth an idea that you know will make a difference.
Leadership isn’t a title. You will know it when you see it and all of you have an opportunity to exhibit it in your work. Don’t wait for someone else to be the leader you want; become the leader you want.