PROFILE OF AN INCLUSIVE LEADER
A changing ideal
TV, movies, books — they’ve done a fantastic job filling our minds with tales of heroic leaders, leading with pure-heart and unwavering sense of purpose, or ruthless leaders, leading with absolute power and unwavering sense of destiny. Either way, these all-powerful leaders champion their missions against naysayers and villains alike. As they carve their way to success, they break the status quo and defy expectations, through force of will and superhuman effort.
In popular culture, leaders know exactly where they’re going. They know the answers. They make the decisions. Others are just extras, awaiting marching orders.
Of course, in real life, we know that isn’t true.
The environment we’re doing business in is changing. The customers and markets we’re serving are changing. The products and services we’re delivering are changing, too. Perhaps most importantly, the people we’re leading and the people we’re serving are changing.
Predictability has given way to agility. Executing to plan isn’t enough. No one person is likely to have all of the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to know exactly where to go and what to do in the moment. Companies can’t succeed amid change and complexity without the full contribution of their people. And leaders can’t achieve without the full contribution of their people.
How can we embrace the heroic sense of purpose and clarity of iconic leaders to draw out and inspire the full contribution of their people? And not just once, but over and over again?
