There’s this belief(?) that you can produce thought leadership.
It’s bullshit.
It’s like saying that you can produce leaders. A manufactured process (aka certifications) where you put one person in and, no matter what, they turn into leaders.
That’s not leadership. That could be management school for all we know —or any online cert.
Leadership is the decision to sustain an environment for others to do and be at their best. It’s not about having followers, but to open the path for others so that they can lead.
Intrinsic decision, extrinsic position.
Deciding to lead is risky and absolutely personal —you can’t lead (and won’t) if you don’t want to. Being acknowledged or positioned as a leader is made only from the outside. You don’t call yourself a leader, others do.
“I want to lead” vs “I want to better serve”.
“I want to lead” takes leading as a goal, for self-interest.
No results? No benefits? No recognition? You quit.
“I want to better serve” thinks of the others.
Leading is a by-product of a decision focused on how others can be and do better —how they can thrive, disregarding your benefits. Even risking your own skin.
Which one you think has a better chance to actually lead?
More about this can be found from Simon Sinek to David Marquet to Peter Drucker, Adam Grant and others.
What’s it gonna be for you today?
Do you want to lead? Or do you want to better serve others?