There are two types of people in the world today: Leaders, and people who refuse to be.
I’m more convinced of this than ever. To understand this position, you first have to acknowledge that leadership has nothing to do with rank, title or position of authority. Or if we look at if from the opposite angle, we want leaders at all levels from the front lines to the C-suite––in business, in family, in the community.
At one recent event a gentleman told me that the word “leadership” is overused these days. His position was that not everyone was capable of being a leader and that too often people were called leaders, or called themselves leaders without genuine credentials or experience.
I understand his point of view. However––I will argue the first point. Everyone––well everyone who is willing, is capable of leadership. Again––it has nothing to do with a rank, a title or some arbitrary set of credentials.
It has to do with action. With the way you conduct yourself as a person.
A genuine leader is someone with the ability to attract WILLING followers––and the will to serve them.
Notice the emphasis on the word “willing.” When you set an example, when you approach your daily life with enthusiasm, when you Inspire, Empower and Guide others you are a leader.
You can lead effectively from the assembly line and cook station. And there are plenty of people in the executive suite or walking the halls of government who struggle––who are simply not leaders in anything but name or title.
Above all, leadership is a choice. You either chose to commit yourself to developing the skills, character and commitment necessary for leadership––or you don’t. And these days if you don’t, you’re likely going to be left behind.
It’s interesting that so many managers today complain that they just can’t find and keep good people, yet at the same time there is a glut of over-qualified college graduates, many with advanced degrees, who can’t find meaningful work.
I know why. I see it in every workshop and at every conference. I see it when I work inside organizations…
There are plenty of people with academic and technical management training, but precious few with the most essential human-centric leadership skills and experience.
As Admiral Grace Hopper put it so well…
“Management is about things. Leadership is about people. For too long we went overboard on management and forgot about leadership.”
That’s what we’re changing with THE SENSEI LEADER MOVEMENT.
Now today, let’s keep this very personal.
Do you want to get ahead?
Do you want to advance in your career?
Do you want to serve others?
Do you genuinely want to explore and achieve your full potential?
Are you willing to accept the responsibilities that go along with the opportunities of leadership?
If so, we can get to work.
On Friday, December 7th I’ll be presenting our 8 STRATEGIES for ASPIRING LEADERS Workshop in Portland, Maine. This workshop is for you…if:
You want to prepare yourself for your first leadership opportunity.
You want to advance and accept greater leadership responsibilities.
You want to demonstrate your leadership potential and value to those who can help you advance.
You want to Inspire, Empower and Guide others to their very best.
You want to support and develop effective, human-centric leaders in your organization.
We’ll be working on all these areas and much more in this half-day program.
This event is very special for two reasons…
First, through the generous support of our host, UNUM, this event is open to the public. You’ll network and work with people from a wide variety of organizations, experiences and levels.
And…
ALL proceeds from this event benefit Boots2Roots, an incredible community initiative enabling Maine’s newest active duty veterans to hit the ground running and add new energy to Maine’s workforce!
THE SENSEI LEADER MOVEMENT mission is a global effort to support and develop human-centric leaders in business, community and politics. These are leaders who care about the people they serve and commit themselves to continual learning, growth and development.
These are the leaders who are changing the way leadership is done all over the world. These are the people leading the organizations and communities that will succeed and prosper in the future.
Chose to be this type of leader. The opportunities are there for you. Join THE MOVEMENT.
Start by attending this workshop!
Friday, December 7th
8 AM to Noon
UNUM Headquarters, Portland, Maine
Includes:
Signed copy of THE SENSEI LEADER for first 50 registrations
Workbook
Networking opportunities
Online follow-up after the event
CLICK HERE for details and Event Registration… ALL proceeds benefit Boots2Roots!