Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Courageous Leaders
I’m addicted to business books. This year alone I gave away over 200 of these books, and still have enough left over to start a small library. The categories run the gamut found in any Barnes & Noble, however, there are a large number of just CEO profiles. These are fascinating to me because CEO-style varies greatly yet each is considered highly successful.
The most inspiring leaders are the ones who displayed tremendous courage - the ones who stood tall in the face of adversity; who blazed a trail where there was no path; who went were few have gone before (I’m also a closet Trekkie)! What is a common characteristic among these CEO’s? Simply, BOLDNESS. It’s the thing that sets apart a courageous leader from the adequate leader.
Where are you on the courageous continuum? Are you existing at the ‘Yes, sir; no sir.’ level or in hyper-space with innovative thinking and ideas? Regardless of your personal courage level, keep in mind how your boldness (or lack) impacts the team you are leading. Are team members frustrated because you do things the way they’ve always been done? Or, are team members scared because you are quickly moving forward with ideas they haven’t had time to comprehend much less imagine?
Don’t misunderstand me...I advocate boldly going where no one has gone before. I also advocate authentic communication so your team can catch your vision, and move your organization beyond merely adequate to blindingly brilliant.
Until next time...live like you mean it!
Marjorie