Over the years, I have heard people tell me that leadership is something that can be seen. They go on to say that leaders are easy to recognize and that they know a leader when they see one. The issue is what do we really see when we look at other people leading . For example our political leaders tell us that their opponents are not leaders. I have heard my colleagues and academics from other departments and universities argue that their administrators are not really leaders and sometimes not even managers. I have heard people say that there are those who do things and there are others who teach. Yet, there was a leadership team in one of my leadership programs who created a video which showed that almost everyone from young people to older people can define what leadership is.
Leaders exist in all human societies, but they do not act the same in all societies and cultures. They are clearly affected by the values of the organizations of the communities which they serve. Their leadership styles will also vary. As a writer in the field, I can describe leadership and the characteristics of an ideal leader. Using an historical frame of reference, I can tell you that Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln were great presidents as well as leaders. I can point to great inventors, entrepreneurs, and industrialists and see many as leaders. I can also see people in leadership positions who are clearly not leaders. Thus, I am in a quandary. Will I know a true leader when I see one.? I can define a leader and leadership, but not all so-called leaders will fit my definition. Leaders are clearly defined by context, value orientation, and a number of personal characteristics.
I think the only way out of this dilemma is to tell you what I look for when I see an individual who calls him/herself a leader. First, I want to see a person who is more concerned about my needs than his or her needs or political agenda. I want to see an individual who is neatly dressed and not in clothes that are too extreme. I want to hear a person who is a good communicator. I want to trust the person.I want my leaders to be society’s builders and also work to make our organizations viable and our jobs more secure. I want my leaders to explain to me why change is important. I hope my leaders recognize the importance of our schools and education. I do not want my leaders to constantly blame others who are struggling to make a living. I want to see a collaborator and someone who recognizes the differences between us without always blaming those who disagree with him or her. I want my leaders to let me make choices with which the leader may not agree with. I want my leaders to support my beliefs and not try to destroy them.
What do you expect to see when you determine whether someone is or is not a leader? What does your leader look like? I recognize my leaders when I see them. My dilemma is that it is getting harder to find them.
Rowitz On Leadership 