What is a Leader?
By Robert Stickle

Leadership is getting a lot of attention these days. When things are not going so well, we look for the leaders that will help us. With the economy the last year or so, environmental problems mounting, increased weather catastrophes, etc we are searching for strong leaders. It's not that we don't need them in good times but it seems that we spend more time and energy searching for and talking about them when things aren't going so well.

Have you ever paused to think why that is? Why is it that when things are going so poorly, the need for leaders is greater? The obvious answer is that we feel lost. We may not be lost but we feel that way. We feel uncertain about the future and unclear about what we should be doing next. So what is a leader?

When we feel lost and unsure about which direction we should be going in, we search for someone that can guide us into the future. When our community, company or family is at crossroads and we are not sure which way to go, our feeling of uncertainty and anxiety increases. The longer we sit at the crossroads wondering what to do next the more unclear the choice becomes. At this point we begin searching for a guide or leader to pick the fork that will move us forwards. It is someone that will choose the right road and lead us in the correct direction. So, it can be stated that a Leader is a guide; someone that will see and choose which road will take the group in the right direction.

In order for leaders to guide us, they must have a vision as well. If our vision is clear, we don't need a leader or guide. The path to take is clear and we can proceed on our own. When things are foggy and uncertain, we search out those that have a vision; that can see the future and know how to get there. We seek out those with a strong vision that we can align to or get behind. The vision makes sense and matches our needs, goals and/or aspirations. In addition to having this strong vision, they are able to communicate it in such a way that it is clear to others. So Leaders have a strong vision that is well communicated and to which we can align ourselves.

A strong or good leader also prepares us for the future. What I mean by this is that it isn't enough to simply paint a picture of what their vision is, but they must prepare others with the knowledge and tools that are needed to travel towards the vision. That means that they support others by ensuring that they have the training that is necessary to do the job. They instill confidence in others that they can do the job and they support them throughout the journey towards the goal or vision. This support takes many forms, from being available to answer questions, encouraging them when they are doing well and bringing them back on course when they begin to stray a little.

A leader continues to share information about the journey and what the team or group can expect next. They don't horde information. People that hold back or horde information are not leading, they are controlling. I should say they are trying to control. With the lack of information, the group or team is going to begin filling in the blanks themselves. The problem with that is that human beings always substitute the worst case scenario when there is a vacuum in the information available. So leaders willing share information.

They lead by example. Leaders are out front leading the charge, saying this is the way, follow me. This is not a new theme for me. I'm a strong believer that leaders must lead by example. Its hard to keep a team or company motivated if you say one thing and do another. How would you feel if you were just told by your boss that you must work late that night, as he/she is heading out the door at noon to get in 18 holes before supper? Pretty hard to be motivated and put in the extra effort. You might put in the time but do you really accomplish the extra work? Leaders are a role models and lead by example, motivating the team or company to follow them.

Leaders have a vision of the future and guide us along the paths to reach this vision. They prepare us for the journey and make sure we have the knowledge, tools and conditioning needed for the journey. And most importantly, they are there sharing information and leading us along this journey to our goals.

For more information on Leadership, , contact Gary Gzik at ggzik@bizxcel.com.

Robert Stickle is the COO of BizXcel and is a certified project manager by the Project Management Institute. Robert has been working in business for over 20 years and has been a project manager and consultant for over 10 years. Robert’s specialties are helping organizations with business transformations, system analysis, solution development, financial and information technology management.