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« The NeuroLeadership Summit and Why It Matters to Executives | Leading Blog Main Page | Snooze You Lose? » 04.13.07
The Courage to Initiate Relying on a single person to lead the charge reflects a dysfunctional concept of leadership. It sets up expectations that can’t be met. No one person can do everything. No wise leader would. Leadership is a group activity. There is an implied interdependency.
Everyone has the capacity for leadership. Often what most people lack is the courage—the courage to initiate. Initiative means moving outside your comfort zone. It means seeking out opportunities and being willing to act. Nearly everyone can see a need or see where changes need to be made. What is uncommon though, are people who are willing to take the initiative; to do something about it. Leadership is not always seen in the brightest or the most talented, but it is always found in the courageous. You may not be able to be the CEO but you should think as the CEO. The CEO mindset involves taking the time to think about the forces that are shaping the future of both you and your organization. Managing yourself in this way is important not only to the organization but also to your own personal development.
Posted by Michael McKinney at 08:35 AM
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Comments
I think this goes for life in general. Many people choose to lead their live without leaving their comfort zone. Let alone stand up and take the responsibility to change and lead. I'm not saying everyone should go freestyle climbing or arctic jogging, but there are many ways to use your courage to differentiate yourself and your company.
Posted by: Henri van den Hoof | April 15, 2007 02:33 PM
"You may not be able to be the CEO but you should think as the CEO." That's an interesting comment. Sounds exactly like the kind of brainwashing being foisted upon middle managers and employees everyday. Let's see, with more and tasks
being "delegated" and "pushed down" the organizational chain by the CEO's and other top executives, it's a wonder that we have time to "think" about even getting the job done anymore. Oh, I know, just work a few more hours or take more work home. Ah, that's the ticket! Yes, think like the CEO. The CEO's motivation is a big "bonus" payment. Ours? Keeping our jobs! And please don't try to tell me that it's all relative. There's no "I" in "WE" or no "I" in Team" or however that trite and silly saying goes. "We" (the execs) just didn't tell "you" (the rest of the employees) that you're not eligible for the same bonus payments or even company benefits as "we" are. Oh yes, we should should take "ownership" of our tasks and responsibilities as does the CEO. Is that the same "ownership" the CEO receives in the stock of the company? Of course not.
And you wonder why I have become The Corporate Cynic?
Posted by: Jerome Alexander | April 15, 2007 06:04 PM