Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Followers will doubt



What is a leader’s role?

There are probably a number of things you might say such as, cast vision, develop strategy, achieve goals, lead, develop other leaders, and there may be more.

In trying to find what John Maxwell, a leadership author and expert, says about this I found a site from a Communications class at Purdue University (see the link below) for an explanation from Maxwell’s book titled ‘The Twenty-one Indispensable Qualities of a Leader.

This quote is in the notes for the first Chapter:

 ‘Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence’ - Bernard Montgomery, British Field Marshal.

Interestingly, the first chapter is about Character.

When you hear something from a leader, you are following, that appears to be trying to divide people based on the bias of the message it causes you to wonder. At least it causes me to wonder what is the leader’s purpose. And then I wonder was my understanding correct? Did I misunderstand? Am I assuming too much?

Prior to Chapter 1 is a statement that is good advice.

‘If you can become the leader you ought to be on the inside, you will be able to become the person you want on the outside. People will want to follow you. And when that happens, you’ll be able to tackle anything in this world.’

Until you can get to that point where you are authentic, honest and transparent on the inside there will be those who will question your leadership and possibly leave your ranks because they doubt your character.

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