Leadership

I am no leadership expert. [you can bounce now!]

Writing this post wasn't on the cards, but I happened to read an excellent true story. This combined with some random earlier thoughts and experiences - here goes.

Leadership is not a position. It is important to make that distinction. Person XYZ might be the CEO of ABC corporation but that doesn't necessarily make him or her a leader. Haven't we seen enough examples like that already? Person XYZ might be the prime minister or president of ABC country but that doesn't necessarily make him or her a leader. Haven't we seen enough examples like that already? A position without the necessary maturity leads to catastrophe, havoc and depending on the power handed over, even dictatorship or tyranny. Haven't we seen enough examples of that already?

Leadership is a quality. People can exhibit that quality irrespective of what position they are in. This is how organizations get surprised when someone springs up to take over some responsibility that suddenly springs up. These people naturally grow into their corresponding positions depending on their maturity level.
[This example shows a leader-by-position and a leader-by-situation in the same context].

I think the following are the qualities required of a leader - and none of these are optional. The extent might vary depending on situational demands:

1) Clarity or capability - to carry out the tasks assigned to him/her and his/her group. Sometimes, this requires foresight to anticipate the unknown and the courage to make decisions when there are no options.

2) Compassion - towards his/her team and understanding towards their situation. When a great leader says "Because I said so", it usually means he/she has a good reason to say so and not because of a need to exert authority.

3) Involvement - doesn't necessarily mean doing the same activities a subordinate is doing. It means a willingness to walk the talk or to put the money where the mouth is. It also means being what he or she expects of people under him/her.

4) Inclusiveness - very vastly underrated and very scarce in today's world. As a leader grows, his or her footprint usually grows at exponential levels. It is vital that the circle that the leader exerts control on be understood as a contextual boundary. It also means that it is not ok to trample on people or resources outside the circle for the purpose of flourishing the circle. The only way for sustenance of a leader is to engage in synergistic partnership. That can be done only with an understanding of the peer group [that includes the planet as well, by the way]. None of much of the nonsense that is going on in today's world would happen if leaders exhibited this quality.

Note: The success of what the Pixar bosses did is not a reflection of their leadership quality. The move might have well backfired and they did it in spite of that. That simple act of theirs reflects all four qualities above. And oh yes, a leader is allowed to make mistakes!