Leadership is a Verb

Throughout your lifetime you will hear much about leaders and their leadership qualities. In some cases you may view such a person with great respect and admiration for their accomplishments. Others, you may hold in subtle contempt and see nothing more than a well-packaged snake oil salesman.

I believe each of us has their own distinct opinion of what defines a leader and the qualities and attributes that describe leadership. Our unique view of leadership is founded on the experiences, decisions, and choices that shaped our lives to this moment.

“Leader” and “Leadership” are tough to define.

If someone asked you to define the term “leader” you might say it is a person in charge of an organization or an elected representative. Still another might offer that a leader is the captain of a team. Although each perspective is different, it is correct and valid for that individual.

If you asked the same individuals to define leadership their answers might become less precise. You may hear a slate of descriptive words such as accountable, experienced, caring, understanding, or educated. As before, in so many ways, our sense of leadership reflects the qualities of a leader that we appreciate and respect, that resonate with our personality and experiences. At times we realize there are those with the title of “Leader” yet they demonstrate narcissism, selfishness, or incompetence. Certainly, in those cases the title does not fit our expectations.

We see it every day in the workplace, in our government, and in our communities. There are those in positions of authority who abuse their position for personal gain, who are petty tyrants lording their seniority over subordinates. Everyone knows them and we don’t consider them when we think of leadership.

If we step back and look at leadership from a distance, the term “leader” is nothing more than a label. It can be affixed to a position or person without rhyme or reason. Leadership, on the other hand, is felt, recognized, and acknowledged by those led.

Leadership is recognized by those led

We experience leadership in those who touch our lives, influence our careers, and help us get through the day. You know who they are. Often, they are the ones you rely upon to clear away obstacles to success. Your understanding of leadership allows you to readily identify a leader even if they don’t wear the title.

Many of the valued traits of leadership are skills not taught in classrooms. They demand emotional intelligence, a calm demeanor, and a degree of humility that makes a person vulnerable. Leadership conveys confidence, trust, and a willingness to learn.

Leadership is a verb and demands action

I would like to suggest to you that leadership, at its core, is a verb. Leadership demands action. It is a conscious commitment to become engaged. It is not a 9-to-5 role. It is a devotion to the responsibility. It is 24 x 7 x 365. It is lonely, challenging, and subject to scrutiny. Even more so, the eyes of the organization are upon you. It is doing the right thing each and every time because your integrity in not negotiable. If others view you as their leader, do not take it lightly, for they place their trust, confidence, and hopes in your hands.

It is hard to define leadership. But you know when you experience it. And just as readily, you know when a person in a position of responsibility does not possess leadership ability.

Management is not leadership.

Management skills may enhance a person’s leadership abilities for it adds to their understanding, vision, and appreciation of those accomplishing the work at hand. Deep understanding of what is going on from a people, technology, and process perspective enhances leadership.

Often we attend classes and seminars on leadership. In those settings you may find consensus on those recognized as leaders. But when you leave class with your pages of notes, completed worksheets, and great examples you are left with one lingering question . . . “How do I become a leader?” Since you attend such classes, possibly the question should be . . . “How do I become a better leader?”

Leadership does not come with a “one size fits all” guide

If you stick with me, I will share with you more than 45 years of service in the US Army, the federal government, and corporate America. Too often I saw promising new leaders derailed because leadership does not come with a “one size fits all” handbook. My weekly posts attempt to fill that gap with tips, techniques, and methods that help a new leader navigate and succeed in their dynamic organizational environment. Some of the tips may be tried and true. Others may seem counter-intuitive. But, for the situation I found myself in at one point in time, they were helpful.

My posts seek to enhance your operational efficiency, increase your personal effectiveness, and develop your leadership skills. I will discuss you with the importance of personal integrity, humility, and curiosity. And I hope to share with you prospective issues that can de-rail your career or your team and ways to avoid them.

Naturally, you may disagree with my perspective or approach. That is to be expected since we are unique in our experiences. I merely offer them for your consideration and hope you find value in them.

Until my next post, remember that a leader’s role is to create the conditions that allow a team to improve and, ultimately, excel. What could your organization achieve if you demonstrated the qualities and attributes of leadership that we readily recognize, but so rarely experience? I hope to share ideas that will refresh or renew your leadership and encourage others to follow you; where otherwise, they would not dare travel.

Leadership is a conscious commitment to become involved with your organization. Leadership is demanding and it is not for the faint of heart. Leadership is a verb. Do you have it in you?

© Peter E. Goodyear, 2021