Last week, I posed the question, “So, why do you choose to be a leader?” I had responses from two very effective leaders with whom I have had the pleasure of watching in action, and I would like to share these (withholding names because I didn’t ask for permission):
Former Fortune 50 CEO: “Be a constructive, proactive and productive part of the change I want to see in the world around me.”
Former Entrepreneur in both the private and non-profit sectors: “I enjoy finding a path forward to solve complex tasks. I know that I am not able to get to the goal on my own and that I need great people to accompany and compliment me. I feel I am able to lead such groups.“
(Interesting in that both are now leading nonprofit organizations.)
During this coronavirus, there are leaders who are Choosing to Lead as evidenced by them being proactive in developing a re-opening strategy, energizing their teams, making important decisions and creating new paths forward. These are the type of leaders people want to follow.
Then there are leaders who seem to be stuck, unable to move through the Cope-Adapt-Innovate stages. While they are leaders by position or title, they are not Choosing to Lead. This is unfortunate because their people are watching them.
So, how might you Choose to Lead?
- Be visible, accessible and present
- Make decisions – don’t procrastinate
- Delegate to experts – create task forces and ask for recommendations
- Revisit the organization’s strategic direction and modify as appropriate
The unfortunate reality is those who are choosing not to lead now made that decision sometime in the past.They didn’t intentionally develop and strengthen their leadership skills.It is going to be very difficult to change that in the midst of a crisis.
On the contrary, those who are leading now have been preparing for this day! One doesn’t just decide to become an effective leader. Like anyone performing well, becoming an effective leader takes time, experience, practice, education and a desire to improve. A crisis defines one’s leadership.