In my last annual review, it was pointed out I lack 'leadership skills. I couldn't agree more. I'm a hardcore FOLLOWER and like it that way. If things go wrong, I'm one of those people that say, 'Just following orders …' and point the finger at the 'order giver', i.e., my boss.
I know this goes against our Toastmaster values. Our organization is where Leaders are Made! Not Where Leaders are Afraid!
I talk to my mentor, and he suggests I look into applying for a Leadership Role. Not mentioning that 'Never Volunteer' is also part of my work ethic, I reluctantly agree to do some research.
First things first – if you're going to be a leader, you'd better define its origins.
The word 'Leader' comes from the Old English 'leden', meaning 'to direct or show the way', so make sure you're not mistaken for an EXIT sign.
'Leader' is also a newspaper name in Wales, an IT company, a ballet school, and lord have mercy, an online funeral service. When people look for a leader, it's not someone guiding them towards life's last station. Unless you want to arrange your own funeral, which wouldn't make you a leader but a 'hero' in the eyes of your surviving family members.
Contrary to popular belief, a leader is NOT 'Someone who has the potential to blow up the world in a mushroom cloud'.
Those are just a bunch of megalomaniacs, narcissists who, as teenagers, couldn't get a date for The Prom. The fact they could be crazy enough to press the red button is very alarming but would solve all my debt and financial problems.
A leader, by definition, is simply 'A person who leads or commands a group, organization or country.'
Humm… I can't help but think of Ikea's founder, globally convincing us that building our own furniture is acceptable … even fun! Never mind the left-over parts.
Or Mark Zuckerburg, luring me into giving all my personal details just to be 'liked'.
Finally (and most frightening), 'Los del Rio', leading millions of people worldwide into dancing LA MACARENA.
Research continues with something called the Natural leader, not to be confused with a naturist leader … usually, an old crumbly that shrivels up in the cold.
A Natural leader is someone born into the role. That attention-seeking newborn lying among 40 sleeping babies who suddenly starts crying, thus making all others follow. If your baby is the first to howl – rest assured you have given birth to a leader.
There is a slight chance he could also be a psychopath who will not rest until he owns the world (think Putin) and/or avoid taxation (think Amazon's, Jeff Bezos).
Don't worry if you're one of the wailing followers (like me) because it's possible to 'Learn to Lead'.
Yup. All you have to do is buy a book.
From 'THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER' (deceitful as it takes more than one minute to read) to bestsellers such as 'What they DON'T teach you at Harvard Business School' and 'What they DO teach you at Harvard Business School'. This means it's possible to get your degree for a mere £4.53 and £8.85.
Among the many types of leaders, there is the Introverted leader. This is bound to be a massive success as they are usually too self-conscious to give out any orders.
Another crowd favourite is the leader that does MBWA (Management by Walking Around). Particularly if said individual walks out of the office murmuring 'I can't take it, I can't take it …' as finance directors tend to do regularly.
On a serious note, there are great leaders, some of whom I have been lucky enough to meet and work with. What makes them true leaders is they put their people first, before organizations, shareholders and self-interest.
These individuals provide life messages that stay with you forever. Below are some examples close to my heart.
Rupa Datta: 'Leadership is about having the courage to make decisions.'
Diane Richardson: 'Leadership is about reaching objectives and making sure people enjoy the ride.'
My Grandmother: 'Love many, trust few and follow those you do.'
So much for being afraid. I am now determined to follow our District Leaders and learn how to lead. What about you?
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