The Measure of a Leader

17 10 2009

Leadership lessons from west point "My father told me that for a leader, the true measure of success is found in the eyes of your direct reports, the embrace of your spouse, and the hearts of your children.  I believe him… when was the last time you looked into the eyes of those who work for you in order to measure yourself as a leader?  When you look into [their] eyes you cannot escape your real worth as a leader."   –Lieutenant Colonel Eric G. Kail (Leadership Lessons from West Point, edited by Major Doug Crandall, pg. 3)

How do you measure yourself as a leader?  When you look into the eyes of those who follow you what do you see?  What do you want to see?  When your spouse embraces you what do you feel?  What do you want to feel?  How about the hearts of your children towards you?

I appreciate the Lieutenant Colonel passing on this lesson from his father.  It is a challenge to any of us who lead to think about our success in another way–maybe in the only way that really matters.  It is so easy to get caught up in the power, control, and prestige… and from far a way you may look like glistening gold… but what do those closest to you see?

I want to see in the eyes of those who report to me… trust not fear.

I want to feel in the embrace of my wife… love not obligation.

I want the hearts of my children towards me to be… open not closed.

You know what this means right?  Your leadership is not about you… your leadership is a gift to be used in service to others.

.   .   .

"Jesus said to them: 'Kings like to throw their weight around and people
in authority like to give themselves fancy titles. It's not going to be
that way with you. Let the senior among you become like the junior; let
the leader act the part of the servant. Who
would you rather be: the one who eats the dinner or the one who serves
the dinner? You'd rather eat and be served, right? But I've taken my
place among you as the one who serves.'"  –Luke 22:25-27


Comments : Leave a Comment »

Categories : Books, Family, Kids, Leadership, Life, Relationships, Uncategorized

Leadership Lesson #2: Be Clear

31 03 2008

There is nothing worse that a vague leader.  You know these leaders, they are the ones you can never pin down.  You always THINK you know what they think about you, but you’re not really sure if your honest.  Are you one of them?  Being clear is an essential element of leadership.  Clear with your vision.  Clear with your expectations.  Clear with your motivations.  Be clear!

If people around you are confused, lost, unsure,etc., then you are not being clear in your leadership.  I mentioned this in Leadership Lesson #1, and it is true here as well… clarity is in the eye, so to speak, of the beholder.  In other words, just because I think I’m being clear doesn’t mean I am.

“If musical instruments—flutes, say, or harps—aren’t played so that
each note is distinct and in tune, how will anyone be able to catch the
melody and enjoy the music? If the trumpet call can’t be distinguished,
will anyone show up for the battle?  So if you speak in a way no one can understand, what’s the point of opening your mouth?”  –an excerpt from The Message

I love that quote!  It is so obvious when you say it that way.  As a musician, I certainly can’t blame the listener if they don’t like what I’m playing.  This is true in our leadership as well.  You know you are unclear when you find the people who “follow” you constantly out of touch with “what you really mean.”  If you feel that what they do is out-of-touch with what you are thinking… you are not being clear!  You can’t blame anyone but yourself for your lack of clarity.  If people don’t get it… they don’t get it!  It’s that simple.

Clarity is hard work.  But if you are the leader you owe it to those who follow you to be clear.  I mean seriously… what is the point of a leader who can’t lead with clarity?  I don’t get it!  I’m not saying have all the answers… that’s just obnoxious.  I’m saying great leaders communicate to be understood, not just heard.  Do you get the difference?  But again, you don’t get to determine if you are understood (just ask my wife).  In order for a leader to be understood, a leader must first understand.  Being clearly understood, begins with first clearly understanding.  We get back to servant hood thing.  Others first, then you.  I never said this was going to be easy.  But again… BE CLEAR!  Or get out of the way! Seriously!  How will anyone know where to go, what to do, or why their doing whatever it is you think they should do, if they don’t get it?  Guess what… If they don’t get it, there’s no one to blame but you!  I say with a smirk :)


Comments : Leave a Comment »

Categories : Leadership, People, Team, Uncategorized, Work


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.