So You Think You Can Lead?

Are leaders born or made? That's the question I've been asking myself this week, there.

Ok sure, I know the answer is that leaders are made. Over time people can develop and grow their skill level. At what point though, do the skills learned = being ready for leadership?

Here's why this is on my mind this week, there. In my regular j-o-b, I had an employee come to me and tell me he was going to throw his hat in the ring for a manager position we have open (sidenote: I'm the Talent Development Manager so I do all the recruiting, etc). Great! I'll never keep anyone from trying to advance themselves as long as there aren't performance issues.

However, I know this person is not ready to manage people and is certainly not exhibiting leadership qualities at this time (minus the fact that he is missing the majority of requirements).

In our conversation, I asked him why he was interested. And here's the thing...what he shared with me was something I think most people move into leadership for. His answer was very much one-sided. It was all about how the position would benefit him. The focus was on his making more money and his own personal goals. Of course more money is nice but it's not why someone should move into a leadership position. Not only are the intentions wrong, making a move for this reason will leave you pretty disappointed. That's strike #1 in my book.

Let's dive in more in this week's Hot Topic.

So you think you can lead?

Here are a few ways the above situation went off the rails. First, his focus was on himself and about making more money. Personal goals are great but being a leader impacts others every day -- you have to get your intentions right.

• Leadership is not about a fatter paycheck or about being the star.

Secondly, he made the assumption that he could do the job because he's an internal candidate who knows our systems and products.

• Leadership is maybe 10% "technical" skill. The other 90% is all about people, vision, accountability, and positive influence.

Lastly, he submitted his resume and application and didn't include his positions within our company. Zilch. The last job listed was a previous employer. ????‍??????‍??

• Leadership is about initiative, taking (appropriate) action, and leading yourself first. Not getting the basics right isn't a good start.

What do you think, there? Is this too harsh or should there be more added to the list?

Thought To Carry You Forward

"To me, a leader is a visionary that energizes others. This definition of leadership has two key dimensions; a) creating the vision for the future and b) inspiring others to make that vision a reality." - Vince Lombardi

Chat soon,

Amy