Long live the ideal of romantic leadership. (Not really.)
Like a Hollywood script, there are organizations suffering from this star-studded philosophy. The romantic idea of leadership, the scheme that one leader will save the day, persists like a bad heat rash. It’s characterized by:
1) The triumphant general, standing on the hill after battle (with slash and burn strategies behind him).
2) The belief that one person will have all the answers needed to succeed.
3) The thinking that if we stay in our garage long enough (and not let anyone see what we’re doing) we’ll be bigger than HP.
4) The idea that one person can see the entire scope of the battle field (and the enemy still uses smoke signals to communicate).
Potential is lost when a meeting is filled with those attempting to be the romantic leader – and those waiting for the romantic leader to tell them what to do and save the day.
To be sure, situational leadership requires adaptable actions. A crisis often requires the person in charge to take control. (But what does it say about the romantic leader who creates crisis so they’re style of leadership is always in demand?)
Plus, most know the talent depth chart for each role in the organization is now one person deep. The days of having a platoon of people to command and conquer any singular task are over. Every person is required to do and lead from their position.
Therein is the collision of leadership ideals. How society likes to define (romanticize) leadership is increasingly at odds with the leadership actions necessary to succeed.
It’s worth asking your team: How do we define leadership? And what leadership actions do we need to model now to succeed?
Share your definition of leadership below, so our community of leaders can benefit from your great thoughts.
I think that leadership is about equipping your team for success.
Nick – The word “equipping” resonates strongly. Preparing a team to continuously improve – in all areas, including how they think and function together – is a differentiator.
Thanks –
Craig
There will always be critical hard decisions that leaders will have to take. The secret of that decsions making process is to enable those around them to have the knowledge and awareness of the marketplace and the organization capabilities. Thus although the leader takes the hard decision they have the access and insight of those around them to help make the best decision possible.
John – Your words nail it. Any leadership style that avoids or restricts the ability for the organization to make critical, hard decisions faster is a leadership approach that should be re-examined. Thanks –
Craig
I have come to learn what real leadership is, I have worked in a industry that has always allowed me opportunities well past what ever I could have imagine. I have had the good fortune to work with some great leaders. Currently I am working with a leader that has very special leadership skills, so much in fact I try to mirror my leadership skills after. It is remarkable how well he can think things through and take suggestions from those of us around him to have the awareness and be able to obtain the very best decision possible. I perform my duties much better knowing I am apart of a team of great people and work for a leader that has the abilities to help us learn more. Having a leader that allows us to be apart of the hard decisions and know our input is critical to the process is my definition of leadership.
Tim, your honesty and transparency are inspiring – true traits of an outstanding leader. Another trait that you have modeled here is being humble and eager to become an even better leader. You have served me well by your post.
I think the best leaders accomplish tasks and meet their goals by working through others. Leading by example, going the extra mile to complete a task and be there to advise and guide and not be there to demand and micro-manage.
Greg – You’re onto something here, because “working through” others does truly deliver exceptional results. And, those leaders who can do this even when there is conflict, when they disagree with perspectives, etc., and STILL choose to collaborate and work through others…that’s extraordinary.
Thanks for making your point, Greg. All the best –
Craig