This is the question that’s been stewing around in my head all day.
Time after time we seem to find ourselves back at the same point. People of undoubted skill, talent and charisma have risen to positions of leadership which they have subsequently been unable to maintain due to issues of character.
‘Being a character’ and ‘being a person of character’ are clearly not the same thing.
Another politician. Another football manager. Another Chief Executive. Those are just the ones we hear about. There are undoubtedly thousands more falls from grace that never make it to the news headlines, yet are equally sad and certainly devastating to friends, family and anyone who’s livelihood depends on the organisation marred by the latest leadership unravelling. Regret is such an unfriendly companion.
Easy to sit and judge. Easy to miss the lesson. Isn’t this a struggle we all face: I don’t always do what I want to do; I don’t always do what I know I should do.
“There but for the grace of God go I”, as the ancient saying goes.
How many times have I, have you, made errors of judgement and were never discovered. Or entered the murky world of half-truths. Bent the rules. Blurred the boundaries. Acted in ways which were not in keeping with our responsibilities. Not lived to our values. Let down those who look to us. (As a dad, I feel this often in respect of my kids. I’ve learned I’m not yet their perfect role model!)
“Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others, as what he does from day to day to lead himself.” Thomas J. Watson
Of all the areas of leadership development, nothing is so important as personal leadership. The greatest impact on our company, our team, our family, our life…will always be us. You. Me.
The more thought, care, effort and investment you give to becoming the leader – I’m talking character, not charisma – that your world needs you to be, the better for everyone, not least you.
If you are already using, or have used, personal leadership resources, great. Go back to those with renewed vigour. If not, and you’d value some assistance, Effective Personal Leadership is an indispensable part of LMI’s Total Leader Concept™. It’s a life-changing programme and I’d love to share it with you. Get in touch with me on 0800 116 4749.
Nick Howes 