Leadership isn’t a title
At a recent seminar an audience of Senior Managers was asked to raise their hands if they considered themselves strategic. No-one did. Neither did they raise their hands when asked if they had contributed to a company plan.
As the discussion continued it became clear that many thought it down to the CEO and Senior Directors to develop the strategy plan. Even though the creation of the vision and the strategy plan to achieve it is the responsibility of the CEO and top team, everyone in the company should contribute to its development and delivery if possible. Everyone should find the leader within and do what they can to help their company succeed.
A coherent strategic planning system will touch and bring together all aspects of a company. No matter how good the system is however, it is the leaders of the company or the group who must inspire and motivate and bring out the best in people for the plan to really succeed. And, in return, it is down to everyone, at all levels, to find the leader within, do the best they can and contribute to the business.
Yesterday I spoke with an old friend who is unhappy with his job and is searching for another. His bosses don’t inspire and he has lost all motivation. He is a talented man with a wealth of experience and knowledge. For his sake, I hope he finds a new position soon so that his energy and enthusiasm returns and he once again finds the leader within. For his current employers’ sake, I hope they feel the hole he will leave behind, will look to themselves and make sure they don’t lose any more talented people.
Are you a good leader or a great one?
