Positions of leadership are rarely filled by true leaders. To begin with, there are very few true leaders so there is a small pool from which to choose. And rarely are the decision-makers knowledgeable about true leadership. They rely upon qualitative and anecdotal information presented by very expensive search firms and industrial psychologists. All too often, while well intended, these groups miss the mark grievously.
If decision-makers applied this simple definition of leadership – 1) the ability to have people follow 2) the ability to communicate a vision that people will embrace – they would fill leadership positions with true leaders.
Again it must be noted that true leadership does not guarantee management competence. Organization planning must deal not just with correctly filling the positions of leadership but also those reporting to the leader. Those who execute the leader's vision must have strong management capabilities with demonstrated track records of successful execution.
When positions of leadership are filled with true leaders who are supported with competent managers, a powerful organization exists, an organization that can deliver on time and on budget. Such an organization benefits owners, managers, employees, and customers. |
