Leadership Is More Than A Buzzword….
Once upon a time… the word “leadership” would conjure up mighty men and women who held grand titles and positions – the Churchill’s, the Patton’s, the Thatcher’s and the like. Leadership denoted top management of an organization, not the middle management. As you scanned the internet, leadership has become more diluted. There is also a sense that many people have begun to distrust the term as there is more and more because of a hype that has been built to the term by so many who use it as a buzzword to describe any and all to describe anything that remotes looks like a leader or leader type action.
It’s time to bring leadership back to its rightful place of honor. We should not just reserve it for those of prominence and position, rather, that is should be redefined back to its glory of definition so that the next generation can find their own leader within without losing the luster of its core essence.
What does it really mean to be a leader? A leader is one who opens their mind to the possibilities of what can be. A leader becomes aware of how reality is created along with the infinite realities that can exist as well as the true power and impact of thoughts, intentions and action. A leader finds that that true leadership is not the management or controlling of events at all, rather, it is the reality of the leadership resides within each of us and our ability to make our dreams and hopes real. Leadership comes from place reserved deep within ourselves and it is how we inspire others in a way that creates sustainable outcomes that most would believe were not impossible. It is the power of leadership that creates lives of meaning and purpose. Real leadership has the power to change the reality of our world. Leadership is a personal choice and lies within each of us.
This Thursday, June 7th 7pmET/4pmPT, I will be joined by Scott Mabry (Twitter @scott_elumn8) as my co-host for this week’s #bealeader chat on Twitter as we discuss the overuse and possible “abuse” of the term “leadership”.
You make a great point Jen. We can’t all be leaders in the same way great leaders like Churchill, Roosevelt, Jobs and the like. We can all use the lessons of these leaders to make our own impacts in life. The scale might be smaller for us but even if the only person we lead is ourselves, we can do so with confidence, integrity, and care.
I look forward to the chat on Thursday – what a combination you and Scott will make!
Thanks, AJ. I’m so excited and honored to have Scott as the co-host this week. This should be an amazing hour at #bealeader this Thursday. Scott is a great leader in his own right and brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to the subject. I agree, we may not be a Churchill’s but we are leaders to ourselves and if we can cultivate the leader within to lead ourselves, we can change our world and impact others as well in our own way. Cheers, AJ. See you Thursday.
We have had plenty of leaders in various efforts that history neglects- because of their point of the view of writer (it is called His Story for a reason). For example, Kaiser was instrumental in getting business to turn on a dime to help Roosevelt’s war efforts- an effort that is often omitted. Without his leadership, the materiel needed to deploy and prosecute the wars would never have made it to the front.
I could go on. But, Jen’s point is critical. We need leaders. Whether or not they are- or ever get famous.
Very good point on Kaiser, Roy. And yes, there are leaders behind the ones that most seem to rattle off without any thought that are just as valuable. To the point, leaders are needed and some may not see the spotlight. We need to cultivate the leaders within each of us – and ensure that leadership isn’t tarnished by marketing and hype. Thanks, Roy.
I think that everyday people can be leaders for sure. Although it’s a cliche, the best way is to lead by example, whether it’s in a job, your own biz, in a family, or organization. By being the type of person you want others to become, it sets the stage for good things to happen.
Thanks, Lisa Marie. I agree, we lead by how we live. Our example we set is how we conduct ourselves and align our values with actions. There is nothing wrong with that as being a leader. To me, that is exactly the type of leader we all can aspire to be, and it doesn’t require a title.
Thanks for commenting. I hope you can join in our chat tomorrow night as well. Cheers.
Interesting perspective. Another word that’s been thrown around a lot is “entrepreneur”. Apparently anyone with a cat and an internet connection is a leader and an entrepreneur. I wonder why this happens? I guess people want to attach that idea to themselves so they make it mean whatever they want it to mean. According to your summary, being a leader sounds exhausting! All that thinking and hard work! Ultimately I suppose their are 2 kinds of leaders. The everyday – those who run businesses and teams; and the “bug guys” for lack of a better word – the Margaret Thatchers as you say. Would love to stop by on the chat. I dropped in once before and it was definitely an interesting one!
Very good insight on leadership. I like your impression of leadership. Thoughtful and insightful. Would love to have sat in on the chat. Just missed it.
Hi Barbara! You haven’t missed it yet. The #bealeader chat is tomorrow night, Thursday, June 7th at 7pmET/4pmPT – we meet each week at the same time and day. I hope you can join Scott and I this week. Thank you for comment, I appreciate it greatly. Cheers.