By: Chris Steely
The word “leadership” is practically an overused cliché these days. Some people believe that America’s politicians are leaders (mostly NOT), and the definition of REAL leadership has grown fuzzy and illusive.
Corporate leadership has especially become an ambiguous term. My experience with many “leaders” in today’s corporate ranks involves nepotism, lack of capability and commitment, and a “me first” attitude of service.
From my perspective as an extreme leader, effective leadership is inspired from outside the leader, but its energy and capability lie inside the leader. Most of the engagement of leadership involves leading something, someone, or a group of people (a tribe). So there must be an object or an organization to lead. Otherwise, the leader is merely going on a walk, alone.
Visualize a crusader, who is fixed on a mission. The mission involves something that the crusader is committed to changing, altering, or optimizing. The connotation of changing something in this context is outward; the crusader is committed to changing something(s) into what THEY want them / it to be.
But the crusader will not be successful if he or she is not driven to implement the change. The capability and commitment toward this implementation lie at the core of the character of the leader.
Are leaders born, or can they be trained?
A great deal of leadership involves personality, attitude, and confidence. Can someone change their personality? Somewhat, but they must remain congruent with who they really are at their core. Leaders do not “try” to lead, because they see others doing it. They are inspired to lead, and can lead in many ways, including openly, forcefully, enthusiastically, and passionately, but also quietly, confidently, assertively, and deliberately.
Leadership must be experienced. You can’t speak (or write) about leadership; it is something that must happen. Leadership is an activity, which must be undertaken. There is nothing static about leadership; a crusader is action-oriented, and always has an objective in mind.
My crusade is now advancing globally, as I accept the challenge to educate, motivate, and inspire leaders across the planet to stand up and implement their ideals, my cause / crusade driving me the whole way. What about yours? Take a look, and determine if you are leading as effectively as you CAN be.
When it comes to leadership, reflect on YOUR journey; your crusade. What do YOU stand against, and what are you committed to changing? Do you have what it takes? Whether or not you were “born” a leader, it’s time to reach deep down inside and discover your power, strengths, and capabilities as a leader by EXPERIENCING leadership.
BE A LEADER by STEPPING UP, and taking on a crusade, focusing on being the change that you want to see in the world. Exercise your leadership. Get a leadership mentor. Experience yourself – your TRUE self – and take on the challenge.
WE NEED YOU, CRUSADER! Now is the time! As we transition into this New Year, make your commitment.
– Chris Steely
“A leader discovers the hidden chasm between where things are and where things would better be, and strings up a makeshift bridge to attempt the crossing. From the other side, they guide those who dare to cross this rickety traverse until the engineers can build a sturdier span for all.” – Mel Zeigler, founder of Banana Republic
