Great leaders aren’t born. They’re trained.
Early in my career, I had a bad experience with a supervisor (a topic of a different post) that set me on a path of trying to find a great leader. I used to say that in job interviews - “I’m just trying to find a great leader.” The problem was that the harder I looked, the more I scrutinized leadership abilities, and the more I scrutinized leadership abilities, the more disappointed and dismayed I became that I’d never find the great leader I was looking for.
After I had just about given up the search, I found the great leader I had been looking for for years! I would tell you who it is, but then I’d be paranoid that you’ll go and steal her. Yes, the first great leader I encountered in my career was a woman because of course it was. I’m not suggesting that men can’t be great leaders - I’ve read about them in books, and I’m pretty sure my father-in-law is one. But I know that women have to try harder to achieve their ambitions because #patriarchy, so I do believe that the likelihood of encountering a great leader who is female or nonbinary in the wild is greater.
The funny thing is that once I identified this great leader (and internally vowed to follow her to the ends of the earth), I started noticing more great leaders, seemingly everywhere I went. How, after ten years of looking, did this suddenly start happening?
I think it boils down to a couple of things:
I stopped looking for great leaders only among people in leadership positions with power and authority. I realized that great leaders are everywhere in society, at all levels and in places you’d least expect.
I realized that great leaders aren’t born; they’re trained. Do I believe in “natural leadership ability?” Sure. But even natural leaders have to work hard and be intentional to be someone folks want to follow.
I realized that great leaders are everywhere in society, at all levels and in places you’d least expect.
I recently had a meeting with a client who is settling into a new position after being promoted a few months ago, in which they said “I’m still not sure I’m the right person for this job.” Their boss, their colleagues, and the community believe that they are, so what’s going on? It would be easy for this person to shrug off this feeling as imposter syndrome, but I think we should stop doing that and instead figure out what’s missing that’s preventing us from feeling competent and confident.
This person is more than qualified based on their lived experience, so pairing their lived experience with external validation that their instincts are correct and adding in an effort to intentionally seek out people and media through which they can gain knowledge, expand their perspective, and challenge theirs assumptions can help them gain confidence in their own competence.
There is so much value in investing in professional development for folks like this. Working with a leadership coach through a transition like this can be incredibly impactful, though I know that’s not always economically feasible, so here are a few books that can be just as inspiring for leaders on a budget:
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
In Unreasonable Hospitality, Will Guidara, renowned restaurateur and hospitality expert, shares invaluable insights into the transformative power of hospitality in leadership. Through captivating anecdotes and practical advice, Guidara illustrates how the principles of exceptional hospitality can drive success in any leadership role. This book inspires leaders to prioritize empathy, service, and authenticity, fostering connections that elevate both individuals and organizations to new heights.
Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan, Halee Fischer-Wright, and John King
Tribal Leadership presents a groundbreaking approach to leadership that emphasizes the importance of understanding and harnessing the culture within organizations. Drawing on extensive research, Dave Logan, Halee Fischer-Wright, and John King unveil the five stages of tribal culture and provide actionable strategies for leaders to cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance. This book offers invaluable insights for leaders seeking to unlock the full potential of their teams and organizations.
Good to Great by Jim Collins
In Good to Great, Jim Collins distills years of research into a compelling narrative about what sets great companies apart from merely good ones. Through meticulous analysis and compelling case studies, Collins reveals timeless principles that propel organizations to sustained excellence. This book challenges leaders to cultivate disciplined thought, disciplined action, and unwavering commitment to long-term goals. By prioritizing a culture of excellence and strategic focus, leaders can guide their companies from good to truly great, leaving a lasting legacy of success.
If you’re navigating a career transition or working to level up where you are, I’d love to connect with you! Contact me or leave a comment down below and tell me what you’re currently working on.
