Has the sun set permanently on great leaders? No? Well, where are they – today I see none. I see only powerful groups and many rulers and ruler-wannabes. Exercise of power and leadership are different. We have lots of the former, but a serious vacuum in the latter. Why should this be? Is it ever likely to be corrected – somehow?
Leadership seems to be a very popular topic today. Google search results number in the billions. I have just done a lot of reading and so much of what I read does not come close to my lengthy experience with leaders. This tells me that leadership, so important today, is far from well understood. Here is my take.
Darkness – in the sense of largely-missing clarity and certainty – is upon us, with no dawn in sight. Business leadership must provide the “light” meanwhile. The “light” here is clear, agile, adaptable plans that develop continuously as a process, not a management product. Leadership-as-light is not a new concept but the critical role of agile management is.
Some quite capable people in vital leadership roles do not think that words matter in general – that words are just personal preference. Three very important words in particular – issues, problems, and challenges – seem especially misused by leaders. Does this truly matter for leadership effectiveness? You bet it does!
From many years of observing and working with leaders of nearly all persuasions and abilities, the way each one deals with the uncertain and tough direction questions often gives a pretty good indication of their real leadership abilities. Can such an ability be learned or enhanced? Of course. Here are seven ways that you might consider.
