This is an election year, so it makes sense to evaluate leadership in the most visible platform we have available in 2016. Now before you think this is a political column, think again. There are, in various forms, leaders on both sides of the isle. Though there have been good leaders, and some may even argue great leaders, there remain no perfect leaders.
Still, there is much we can learn from those who have dedicated their lives to public service. The politician who is dominating the media these days is Donald Trump, and though polarizing, there is much we learn from his pursuit of the highest office in the land. Here are a few of the lessons in leadership we can learn from "The Donald".
- Leadership, by it's nature, is polarizing. Some people love "Trump" and others hate him. No matter which of those groups you fall into, the lesson we can learn is that leadership is not a popularity contest. If you are concerned with everyone liking you, you will always struggle as a leader.
- Some people seek confident leadership while others are repulsed by it. No matter which group you fall into, it is safe to say that we find it easier to follow a Leader who is not afraid to speak his or her mind. Though it can be argued that Donald Trump is lacking in details, he is never shy in voicing what he wants to see happen. Leaders need to learn that it is difficult to follow anyone who struggles to voice a forward direction.
- The ability to change and adapt is essential in leadership. Many within the Republican Party have continually pronounced the demise of Trump...they have continued to be wrong. He continues to rise in the poles, and whether he remains there or not, the message is clear, someone is out of touch with what the people want. Leadership is not found in telling the people what they want, but in listening and responding as they share their wants and needs.
- In the end, the determination of great leadership is based on action and not merely words. Trumps true legacy has yet to be determined, as has yours. Now is the time to determine to be a leader. Commit to making a difference in the lives of those who look to you.
Wishing you leadership that matters...
Sunday, January 3, 2016
