Leadership, at least in a muted capacity, has been something
I have pondered about since I was young. I would wonder why someone got to be
in charge, how they got there, and what steps get you there. The earliest
examples of leadership we experience are usually our teachers. During our
school years some of our peers rise to be leaders of clubs or associations. Is
all leadership positive? There were kids who could captivate a following that
perhaps would not be a beacon of goodwill and do-gooder status. Into adulthood
our experience with leadership evolves into additional forms. Just as there are
many types of people, there are many types of roles for leadership, whether it
is at various levels in an organization, a visionary who captures global
attention with their ideals or innovative products, political leaders, or
moguls who are visible in our ever-growing media based world. Gandhi was a
great leader. Oprah Winfrey has been tapped as one, and there are more
anonymous individuals that are probably never going to be covered in a magazine
or on television, like my director, Robyn, who is a leader just the same.
Leadership comes in all forms, just as people do and while it takes some
quality ingredients, the recipe changes based on the occasion.
Different circumstances call for different types of
leadership. I do not believe one true mold exists, which is what makes life
fascinating. Just when you think it is going to bob it weaves. Someone rises to
the top that you did not expect or see coming. Reflecting back to when I was
growing up, I was told that certain, specific criteria was the only way, the
right way to succeed and if you did not follow it you could count on being left
out. With childlike belief, I held onto thinking that you can be different and do
not have to do things in a copycat form of those that came before you. Recently
I was prompted to consider what is required for a leader to be successful? That
is such an enormously daunting question that sets off a chain reaction of
supernova-like explosions; a myriad of aspects, combinations, and possibilities
to be considered. The rise to the top is quite different than the leadership
competencies that are needed and become more important post ascension. Do some leaders need to unlearn some of the habits that got
them to the top so they can succeed in their executive roles? I suppose that
depends on what it took during the climb.
In my opinion some of the greatest leadership
competencies do not necessarily correlate with traditional rise to power
strategies. When I envision ambition, tireless resolve, refusal of defeat,
steady persistence, strong technical skills, and powerful personalities I
blanch at that laundry list. If that is what it takes I am not sure I am cut
out for corporate leadership. I would like to think of myself as someone who
redefines and creates a different path. Qualities I hold dear are some that I
believe should be embodied in leadership such as emotional intelligence, in
which I am quite transfixed. I think it is the interpersonal skills that make
certain individuals stand out like making connections with others, listening,
instilling confidence in others, and coaching. Providing motivation does not
necessarily mean providing a rallying speech that fire up a crowd. It can be as
simple as being so enthusiastic and passionate that it is contagious. I think
something that is overlooked is that you cannot just stand up and say and do
everything like it comes from a textbook. You need a point of view and a voice.
Other capabilities include acting as a liaison between departments and reaching
resolution to solution driven problems.
When I think about my director,
who is my immediate supervisor, I feel hope. She could be described as introverted,
I think. She is completely kind and considerate of her team. She is not
forceful with us and is able to work with us to be our best selves. Whenever we
come to her with a problem, she is able to work some kind of magic to reach
through the tangled vines of the hierarchical maze. She is bright and wonderful
at her job, but not someone who lobbies for attention or power. I love that she
is a leader. She recently returned from maternity leave and I could not be more
glad for her to be back, because although we are fairly self-managed, something
felt missing from our team. A lost puzzle piece returned, she fills in the
blank spot and completes the picture.
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