Is Leadership About Who the Leader Is or What They Do?

Leadership is a multifaceted concept that often stirs debate. Is it the inherent qualities of the leader that make them successful or the actions they take? Both aspects are crucial, but they interplay in a complex way.

Understanding the Leader's Identity

The characteristics of a leader, or "who" they are, significantly influence their actions and leadership style. For example, during World War II, General George Patton's personality and assertive style defined the mission and approach to leadership. His innate traits, such as decisiveness and boldness, were pivotal in shaping his actions and influencing his team.

Leadership encompasses a blend of innate traits and acquired skills. These elements are not mutually exclusive but rather build upon each other, creating a dynamic and effective leadership style. Leadership that combines the best of both innate and learned qualities can bring a well-rounded and powerful approach to management.

The Role of Charisma in Leadership

Charismatic leaders often possess the ability to instill motivation and excitement within a team. They create a sense of belief and purpose, which drives team members to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. Leaders like Steve Jobs exemplify this with their vision and innovative spirit, motivating teams to achieve extraordinary results.

However, charisma alone is not sufficient for creating long-term success. Sustainability in leadership requires a focus on results and growth. Charismatic leaders might be effective for initial stages, such as setting up a venture and building it to market, but eventually, realistic and practical leaders are needed to sustain and further grow the organization.

Effective Leadership: Quality Over Showmanship

When evaluating a leader, it's essential to consider both their intrinsic qualities and their actions. Honesty, sincerity, and practicality are critical traits. While a charismatic leader can ignite passion and drive initial success, a leader focused on results and authenticity is more likely to ensure long-term success.

It would be ideal to have leaders who possess both charisma and practical capability. However, when forced to choose, it's often better to prioritize practical capabilities and sincere action over mere showmanship. Leaders who are solely focused on personal gain are not aligned with the ultimate goal of benefiting the greater good.

Assessing Leadership Intentions

To truly gauge the effectiveness of a leader, it's crucial to understand their intentions and actions. Leaders must be genuinely interested in contributing to the well-being of the organization and its people, rather than prioritizing personal gain.

Key questions to ask would be:

Is the leader focused on the overall welfare of the team and organization? What specific actions are they taking to achieve these goals? Are their intentions aligned with the best interests of the people they lead?

A leader's approach should prioritize the well-being and growth of the organization and its stakeholders over individual benefits. Authenticity and a genuine desire to contribute positively to the enterprise are essential qualities to look for in a leader.

Conclusion

Leadership is a complex blend of who a leader is and what they do. Both facets are vital, but they must be balanced for true effectiveness. In the end, the interests and welfare of the organization and its people must be prioritized.