"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly."
-Jim Rohn
The above quote captures the complexity of leadership. My mother used to tell me as a child, “be a leader, not a follower.” In today’s society, the leader holds a special place in the social and cultural collective consciousness, and it makes sense: History remembers great leaders and even many of the terrible ones, and rarely those who followed them. Many of us dream to be in that esteemed position of leadership, to enjoy the perks and prestige, and the power and influence over others. Some of us seek to be leaders rather it’s a position on your local home owner’s association committee, being the owner of a small business, the CEO of a big corporation, or the President of the United States.
However, there is another side of leadership that all would-be leaders must realize. The life of a leader is very often a solitary one. Walking to the beat of your own drummer is usually a one man (or woman) show. This can be particularly difficult since humans are social creatures. The reality is; most of humans turn out as followers and a very small amount become leaders. I won’t get into the debate on rather this is a born or acquired trait, but this is the reality. The animal kingdom mirrors this reality. Not every female elephant becomes the matriarch of the herd. Not every male lion gets his own pride.
Though you get credit for the success of your leadership, you are also under the microscope when your leadership decisions fail or otherwise cause negative results. Napoleon once said, “Victory is fleeting, defeat is forever”. A good leader must realize that you can be successful 99 out of 100 times, but the one time you fail can cause your followers to turn on you, and lose your position of influence and leadership. You are also in constant competition to maintain your leadership position. Going back to the example of animals, the male lion spends more time protecting his position and territory from rival male lions than he does hunting for food. Right, wrong, or indifferent; as a leader, there is constant pressure from rivals looking to take your place or simply see to it that you are removed. Leaders are both revered and hated, sometimes for no logical reason, so beware of the latter.
As a leader, it is a common mistake to be indecisive in an attempt to prevent making a bad decision which could lead to you losing your position as a leader. This is often the worst thing you can do. American military doctrine states that a bad decision is always better than indecision. Followers would rather follow a decisive leader who makes crappy decisions, rather than an indecisive one who fears making decisions at all. It is a very fine line to walk, because you don’t want to make too many bad decisions which could undermine your position and the confidence of your followers.
So my bottom line here? For would-be leaders: Go into leadership with both eyes open. Learn from the leaders of history, the present, and even those in the animal kingdom (seriously). Be mindful of not just the prestige and perks, but the sometimes uncomfortable, awkward, and stressful sides of leadership. It is fine that you may not be cut out for leadership, because when it’s all said and done, the majority of human beings that walk this earth are not leaders.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Ulysses S. Grant, an unlikely role model, and an analysis of the power of determination.
“In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.” -Ulysses S. Grant
As I child, I had little interest in traditional "children's books". I was into history and biographies from a very young age. I remember as a 6 and 7 year old going to my local Carnegie library reading books about the railroads, the auto industry, wars, and ancient civilizations. I learned about many historical figures and events. The American Civil War, in particular, had me interested immediately. One character that stuck out to me was Ulysses S. Grant. He graduated at the bottom of his west point class, and was unsuccessful in almost anything except the military. He was also called a drunk by his detractors and enemies. He did however, maintain a sense of courage and determination which is nothing less than legendary. His determination would ultimately have history remembering him as the most successful commander of the American Civil War, and arguably the most successful American military commander as a whole. He is also the only American general to have caused the surrender of three entire armies. An example of this determination was at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862, when his army was getting a thumping on the first day of the fight. His friend, General Sherman remarked, "We've had the devils own day, haven't we?" Grant's response was, "lick em tomorrow." Such an attitude shows that despite crappy circumstances and mass carnage, one is willing to keep the determined attitude he will be successful. Sure enough, the next day, he took the fight to his enemy and won the day.
So, what does this have to do with me? I was never at the "head of the class" in terms of school (at least after middle school). I was never the best athlete (though I did plenty of different sports, i didn't do any phenomenally great). I was never "OMG you're a damn genius!!!" intelligent either. But one thing I have always been blessed with is determination; the same determination which drove General Grant to win again and again, regardless of the odds. Growing up in the inner city of the North-side of Pittsburgh PA in the 80s and 90s; let's just say, your prospects and odds for great success in life (and sometimes survival for that matter) weren't exactly a foregone conclusion. I was determined not to become a statistic as countless others had, or to give up on life, content with poverty and obscurity. I was driven to not only survive my circumstances, but thrive through passionate determination.
I was not (and am not) the brightest bulb in the pack when it came to advanced math and biology, but I always enjoyed high school, despite average a rather unimpressive C+/B- average. My goals were: Finish school, get into college and also finish, join the military, which would get experience in a lucrative and rewarding job field of my choosing, get out of the military, and then find a good job. In that exact order. For someone who had a rough junior year in high school (again, I sucked in calculus and biology) getting through college while trying to support myself to pay for it was a daunting task. Through determination, good fortune, and seizing opportunities, I accomplished my goals. Was it easy? No. Right after joining the army, 9/11 took place, which got me the eventual guaranteed trip to war. I got out of the military right before the economy took a crap. So, despite my sometimes poor timing, bad luck, negative detractors, and seemingly implausible odds, my determination kept me fighting, picked me up when I stumbled, helped me keep beating the odds, and helped me find success again and again. Getting depressed and feeling sorry for myself when life became a big bowl of suck, was never an option for me.
Determination, in my view, is the single, most powerful virtue of man. A determined man or woman is a force to be reckoned with, and can accomplish anything. General Ulysses S. Grant and many others, serve is no-kidding, no BS, historical examples of how powerful such a tool is in the right hands. My early studies of Grant in particular, helped me discover this God-given virtue; determination, and use it to my advantage. I hope and pray that all us can use this determination not only for continued personal success, but also for the betterment of mankind and society as a whole.
As I child, I had little interest in traditional "children's books". I was into history and biographies from a very young age. I remember as a 6 and 7 year old going to my local Carnegie library reading books about the railroads, the auto industry, wars, and ancient civilizations. I learned about many historical figures and events. The American Civil War, in particular, had me interested immediately. One character that stuck out to me was Ulysses S. Grant. He graduated at the bottom of his west point class, and was unsuccessful in almost anything except the military. He was also called a drunk by his detractors and enemies. He did however, maintain a sense of courage and determination which is nothing less than legendary. His determination would ultimately have history remembering him as the most successful commander of the American Civil War, and arguably the most successful American military commander as a whole. He is also the only American general to have caused the surrender of three entire armies. An example of this determination was at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862, when his army was getting a thumping on the first day of the fight. His friend, General Sherman remarked, "We've had the devils own day, haven't we?" Grant's response was, "lick em tomorrow." Such an attitude shows that despite crappy circumstances and mass carnage, one is willing to keep the determined attitude he will be successful. Sure enough, the next day, he took the fight to his enemy and won the day.
So, what does this have to do with me? I was never at the "head of the class" in terms of school (at least after middle school). I was never the best athlete (though I did plenty of different sports, i didn't do any phenomenally great). I was never "OMG you're a damn genius!!!" intelligent either. But one thing I have always been blessed with is determination; the same determination which drove General Grant to win again and again, regardless of the odds. Growing up in the inner city of the North-side of Pittsburgh PA in the 80s and 90s; let's just say, your prospects and odds for great success in life (and sometimes survival for that matter) weren't exactly a foregone conclusion. I was determined not to become a statistic as countless others had, or to give up on life, content with poverty and obscurity. I was driven to not only survive my circumstances, but thrive through passionate determination.
I was not (and am not) the brightest bulb in the pack when it came to advanced math and biology, but I always enjoyed high school, despite average a rather unimpressive C+/B- average. My goals were: Finish school, get into college and also finish, join the military, which would get experience in a lucrative and rewarding job field of my choosing, get out of the military, and then find a good job. In that exact order. For someone who had a rough junior year in high school (again, I sucked in calculus and biology) getting through college while trying to support myself to pay for it was a daunting task. Through determination, good fortune, and seizing opportunities, I accomplished my goals. Was it easy? No. Right after joining the army, 9/11 took place, which got me the eventual guaranteed trip to war. I got out of the military right before the economy took a crap. So, despite my sometimes poor timing, bad luck, negative detractors, and seemingly implausible odds, my determination kept me fighting, picked me up when I stumbled, helped me keep beating the odds, and helped me find success again and again. Getting depressed and feeling sorry for myself when life became a big bowl of suck, was never an option for me.
Determination, in my view, is the single, most powerful virtue of man. A determined man or woman is a force to be reckoned with, and can accomplish anything. General Ulysses S. Grant and many others, serve is no-kidding, no BS, historical examples of how powerful such a tool is in the right hands. My early studies of Grant in particular, helped me discover this God-given virtue; determination, and use it to my advantage. I hope and pray that all us can use this determination not only for continued personal success, but also for the betterment of mankind and society as a whole.
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