Originally posted on LinkedIn on Feb 20, 2024
Yesterday was President's Day. In January, 60% of registered voters polled by NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ indicated they do not want to see a Trump/Biden matchup. I write from a politically neutral standpoint, but that statistic got me thinking: what do we look for in our leaders? What do *I* look for in a leader, whether at work, in my community or a personal role model? Here’s a wish list:
1) Intellectual honesty. A leader whose conviction is built on anything other than defensible organizing principles is not worth my time. To lose my respect, construct a disingenuous argument, add a dash of sophistry and gaslight away!
2) Authenticity. We all value it. But why? Here’s my reason: inauthentic leaders don’t care about me, but only what I bring to the table. They feign just enough interest to induce production. But what if needs change? Do I become suddenly dispensable? An authentic leader knows me and values my willingness and ability to adapt.
3) Behavioral insight (& managerial courage). We’re all imperfect. The only question is: how well do we perceive our own self-limiting behaviors? A leader worth following sees your potential and unlocks it by highlighting what stands in the way of your success, and what you can do about it.
4) Compassion for others. Leaders worth following don’t let goals get in the way of good. The mission matters – but not at all costs. The most destructive behaviors in most organizations and communities stem from putting pursuit above people.
5) Inner strength. Adversity is revealing. Some people become bitter and resentful, others vindictive, others yet, hopeless. A leader worth following meets adversity with calm and strength, uniting the abilities of many into one. I want to follow someone who absorbs stress, not radiates it.
6) Humor. Things worth doing are hard. Hard times are easier when you can find the humor in the situation. Often, a good leader’s humor points us beyond the immediacy of the present difficulty – helping us cast our eyes towards a brighter horizon.
Below the line.
Notice some attributes didn’t make the cut. Not that these are unimportant. I just think they are a little overrated.
Passion: as an attribute, the concept of passion always smacked of the heart ruling the head. Is enthusiasm better? After all there are “crimes of passion” but no “crimes of enthusiasm”.
Vision: having a crystal ball is a gift, but sometimes it’s enough to clearly see the present. Sometimes it actually matters more to see the present clearly.
Track-record: this is actually kind of important. But is it critical? I’ve met people I wanted to follow because simply observing how they behave, I knew I could become a better version of myself.
What’s on your leadership wish list?
J