Leave Me Alone; I'm Not A Leader!

Somehow, we have acquired the notion that leadership is something reserved for high priests, captains of industry, titans of technology, intergalactic supply chain executives, or other exalted beings breathing rarified air. Hello, Lee Corso: "Not so fast, my friend!"

We can all be leaders, wherever we are and whatever we are doing. In fact, we should be leaders at all times and in all places, if we aspire to, at the end of the day, lead. See, being a leader is not about being a boss, or the boss of all bosses.

It is about getting things done, using the talents of others. About persuading constituencies to at least consider, if not commit to, change. About creating and realizing transformational visions. About elevating good team members to great contributors, and belping all associates get better, and get better rewards and satisfaction.

Once the attibutes of successful sustained leadership are understood, they can, and should, be exercised in almost any situation: running a Girl Scout troop, chairing a volunteer group, heading a project team, managing a small organizational unit, whatever. Guess what? Demonstrated leadership accomplishment in these settings can yield personal reward and advancement faster and better than doing a solid technical job year after year.

So, study up, practice your techniques, hone the rough edges, and go out there and lead - every day, in every way.