Before Entering The Labyrinth Of Leadership In Business
by: Bert Simmson on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 at: 6:22 AM Go to: Previous Article Next Article
Entering the labyrinth of leadership is a good turn of phrase, for there are dangers within the twists and turns. The dangers are in terms of career advancements, so these may be better described as challenges, but also in the concepts of personal integrity and growth. Different job skills are needed for management than for simply getting the job done. Many rise ans many fail in the face of the demands of leadership.
First of all. Of course, the leader takes the blame if things go wrong. Most people who rise to leadership are aware of this before they choose to advance to a position of responsibility, but it is an uncomfortable part of the role. Some individuals embrace this and thrive on it, while others are intimidated to the point of paralysis. The genuine leaders go on to make positive changes and decisions, while the others stagnate.
Others who gain power use it for personal enrichment. History is full of those who enriched themselves at the expense of the people they ruled. Sometimes the leaders were able enough so that their whole realm enjoyed prosperity, but at other times the people lived and died in poverty while the ruler and his cohorts lived in luxury.
Those who can keep the goal in sight, who can practice self-discipline, and can make sacrifices in other areas usually make it to the top, if they have chosen an arena fitted to their abilities. Even for those who succeed, the cost may be too great. There are many billionaires whose home life is in tatters.
This is partly because these people have dedication enough to survive the inevitable setbacks and false starts that lead to prominence. Many leaders sincerely think they have much to offer, while others think they have much to gain. Many people who wish to own their own business, in other words to lead in their personal professional life, try over and over before they achieve success. Those who are not dedicated enough to their vision will give up the dream.
A good leader will know the position both upwards and down. A man who works alone is not a leader, after all. He may be a high achiever, but that is different. A leader knows who he is leading and for whom he is working at the same time. You may be a leader in industry, but still accountable to the shareholders of the company and to the Board of Directors. You may be in upper management, but there is the CEO and the General Manager to consider.
Even those who sincerely desire to do good may face misunderstanding and ridicule, if not outright persecution. There are religious figures that have been ostracized or worse for their beliefs, which they try to communicate to others to lead them in the way of their doctrines. There have been many government officials ruined by unsubstantiated accusations, which are proved false too late to salvage the career of the innocent.
Any leader has those he must please. It is not a matter of simply charging ahead; you must be able to inspire others to follow. Whether you are a military officer, a politician, a team leader, or an inspirational speaker, you must be able to give a very real benefit to those behind you to keep their loyalty and support.
Entering the labyrinth of leadership takes courage and self-knowledge, for the beast at the center may well be your own weaknesses, that you must face and overcome to succeed.
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