by Michael Holland
What makes a leader great? They know why they lead. Seems simple, really, that if you truly know your purpose in leading and the value system which resonates those beliefs, then your behaviors will reveal your leadership principles. The difficulty for many leaders is that their “why” of leading is shallow. They are doing the activities leaders are supposed to do and they are acting in ways leaders are supposed to act but they lack the breadth and depth of the “why.
Think about it. . . Are you leading people because you truly want to guide them? Or are you leading others for the money? For the prestige? Because it was the next logical step? For the power?
Walk carefully in your leadership role because the shallowness of your intent – the why factor – may just bleed through.
Michael,
Great read! I found my true “why” once I returned to an IC role. I now look forward to my future with the possibility of one day returning to a leadership role. I am happy succeeding in an individual role but I am truly fulfilled when I am helping others achieve their potential.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Mike