Lead From Where You Are

In Tribes, Seth Godin challenges people to become leaders in those areas of their lives that they care about. He believes if you have passion and a clear sense of mission, other people who have similar concerns will want to follow. After all, we are wired to be connected and groups need a focal point. He claims everyone is a leader. And you should not wait for the right job, with the right title in order to fully express your ideas. A key concept in his book is that leadership is not management, rather leadership is about creating changes that you believe in. This is worlds apart from how many companies are operating today.

Scarcity mentality in many businesses is rampant and innovation is a rare commodity. Most people are not focused on making changes they believe in, rather, they are concerned with survival, often with good reason. Keeping your head down and not becoming a target is the modus operandi of managers in corporations that are downsizing.

The human cost is enormous. Not only does fear rob you of creativity, it also increases stress to unhealthy levels. The workplace can become very mechanical- workers grinding out the same old products or services without inspiration or excitement.

What a catch-22. When we need leadership the most, there are few clear voices emerging from the chaos. Courage is the hallmark of a good leader; also the ability to express a vision and communicate passion. Expressing these attributes involves risk. What is often underestimated is the cost for not taking risks when self-respect or passion for a better idea is at stake. We are all hoping for a great leader to follow. Godin claims that the one we are waiting for could be ourselves.  

Posted by Lidia on 02/20/09

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