True leaders take action—and responsibility.
I am enjoying what it feels like—for the first time in a long time—to reflect on how lucky I have been at each turning point in my career. For months leading up to my retirement from Freeman, I was focused on making sure Janet Dell and her Executive Committee had everything from me they could possibly need. Eventually, I realized that they already had everything they needed; they’d had it for a long time. Because that’s something found deep inside, in that place where they’ve stored the personal resolve, resources, and resilience to lead people forward.
And here’s the virtuous circle: leaders inspire leadership. That’s the simplest way I can express it. I haven’t met a natural-born leader, but I know plenty who have been nurtured ( including myself). Leadership thrives in organizations where the culture empowers everyone to do the right thing. Successful businesses have leaders operating at every level of the organization.
I’ve seen young show producers handle difficult situations simply because they knew what needed to be done and they did it. I’ve seen guys in the fabrication shop save the day because they saw a problem with the plan and offered a solution. I’ve seen group leaders at offices around the world resolve awkward client situations with grace and authority. They didn’t blame the boss or the CEO or the BOD for making their job harder. They handled it. And because of that kind of leadership, the situation was remedied before it became a huge problem.
I’ve seen highly compensated executives fail at this. I suppose their egos get in the way of owning any kind of misstep or failure. Conversely, I’ve been impressed to find true leaders where they are least expected. Have you ever noticed how all the frustration you might feel waiting too long for service (at a restaurant, bank, doctor’s office, etc.) can be dissolved by a single person with a polite, sincere apology? They don’t have to blame the rule book, or the economy, or any imagined evil empire. They just stepped up. That’s leadership.
