Over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to spend some time with our local high school football team. They are good. They may even be great. Some predict them to go deep into the state play-offs. This team could go all the way to a championship. At that level of play, there are some tough decisions that have to be made about who dresses for the game day. The team cannot afford to play politics with players and parents.
Winning teams are about more than equal playing time. The coaches need the best overall player in each position to emerge victorious in every game. They have to be about more than just playing those who show up for spring training. These teams have to identify the hardest working, most dedicated, talented players to put on the field.
Leadership is much the same. It is not reserved for those who simply show up. Some think that due to their time in the organization, they are owed the mantel of leadership. Tenure is not insurance of good leadership, only experience. While experience can be helpful, it is only part of the equation when it comes to leadership.
Leadership is not an entitlement. No one owes you the right to lead. When choosing a leader devolves into simply getting “the next guy in line” the organization, program, ministry, or business fails. They fail to strive for greatness because they are forced into a system to leans toward perpetuating the status quo.
So how does one earn leadership? There are a number of ways, but here are a few pointers to get started…
1. Sharpen Your Abilities as a Leader. Most people have leadership potential. Few take the time and effort to grow their potential into performance. Take time to read good leadership books, find a strong mentor, and learn from the lives of leaders you respect. These kinds of things help you go further, faster in moving from high potential to high performance.
2. Do The Work. If you cannot be counted upon to complete the workload that you already own, how could you be entrusted with a greater level of responsibility? Take the tasks you are given seriously. Go above and beyond. Don’t settle for less than your best effort. This gains the attention of decision makers and is counted valuable when leadership is assigned.
3. Care For People. Leadership will always involve people. If you don’t like people, you are going to be forever stunted in your leadership growth. Take the time to build positive energy and loyalty among your team members. Add value to others. When you do so, you stand out in people’s minds as a great leader.
There is so much more that could be written here on the topic of earning leadership. The important realization for all of us to remember is that leadership is earned, not owed. What can you do today to begin earning the right to lead?
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