Send to KindleLeaders and Politics
It’s election season again; that time when we all wait in front of the TV in breathless anticipation of the next campaign commercial that will mercilessly hack away at the opposing candidate. We’ll nod appreciatively as our candidate makes a good point about the other guy. Through it all will be a common thread telling us that each candidate will be a great leader and is the only choice to take the country forward to new heights.
Of course if you have a DVR, you’re probably missing most of this.
There is a somewhat redeeming value in these campaigns: a lesson in recognizing leaders.
Most politicians are not real leaders. Sure, we think of them as leaders. After all, they are in leadership positions, aren’t they? The truth is, they’re in positions that have the potential for leadership, but that doesn’t make them leaders.
Our two party system produces a political class whose members often find themselves so beholden to a party that true leadership is difficult if not impossible. Doing what the party boss says, isn’t really leading.
It’s a good thing the workplace isn’t like that. Or is it? Ask yourself a few questions.
1. Do I encourage my leaders to think for themselves or just do what I say exactly how I say?
2. Am I willing to seriously consider disagreement or do I expect unquestioning loyalty?
3. Do I see people who step out in front as potential leaders, or just troublemakers?
True leadership is risky. As a real leader, there’s a chance, a very good chance really, that someone will be unhappy with you. A real leader must be able to please the party but also know when to lead change.
Are you a politician or a leader? More importantly, what are you developing other leaders to be?
