Choose to Lead

by Randy G. Pennington

Pick a problem . . . any problem. There are plenty to go around: the economy; the environment; competition in your business; educating our youth; preventing crime, violence, and terrorism; literacy, teen pregnancy; drug use; shady business dealings; shady political dealings; finding the cure for cancer, heart disease, AIDS, the common cold; or ensuring your family's financial security.

There is not a single problem that can be solved without leadership because there is no problem that can be solved without people. Even if you had the answer, its implementation requires cooperation and collaboration. And, there are always detractors, nay sayers, those with a stake in the status quo, and people who simply believe that their idea is better.

Which Brings Us to You ... and Leadership

Your family, the organization in which you work, and your community share something in common-they all need for you to be a leader.

Leadership Isn't just for people with titles. The old, tired theories of leadership based on the power of position and authoritarian models of persuasion are not compatible with today's need for collaboration, cooperation, and commitment. They will be even less effective as a tool for influencing change and positive action tomorrow.

It is time for a different definition: Leadership is about influence. Nothing more and nothing less. Leaders influence others through what they say, what they do, and how they say and do it. Leadership has little to do with position and everything to do with your ability to convince others to act-sometimes against their own immediate interests-to accomplish a goal or task.

Everyone has the ability to influence, and that means anyone can choose to lead. Leadership is the factor that distinguishes you in every aspect of your life. It is a lifelong journey that begins with the choice to lead.

Three Ideas to Implement Today

The best leaders command respect, earn trust, and influence for good. Here are three ideas you can implement immediately as you continue your on development:

Embrace the opportunity and responsibility of leadership. History is filled with examples of individuals who chose to lead rather than accept the status quo. From William Wallace, the commoner who united the Scots to overthrow British rule in the thirteenth century to the founding fathers of the United States. From Rosa Parks to Nobel Prize nominee, writer, and labor organizer Ernesto Galarza. Every country, culture, and generation has its leaders. Some are known to everyone. Most are known to only a few. The common factor is their willingness to step into the void that exists when leadership is absent and make a difference.
Be too good to ignore. Legendary entertainer Steve Martin was asked what it takes to make it big in an interview with Charlie Rose. Martin's response struck me as both stunningly simple and amazingly complex: "The secret to success is to be so good that you are impossible to ignore." We have little or no formal authority in many, perhaps even most, of the situations in which we are called to influence others. That is what makes Martin's comment so important. We earn immense credibility when we are so good that we are impossible to ignore.
Leverage the power of relationships. Think of a teacher, mentor, or coach who meant a great deal to you. Did that person expect more of you or less of you? Were you more likely or less likely to do everything in your power to meet and exceed those expectations? Were you motivated by the power of their position or the strength of the relationship? Compliance can be mandated based on the leader's position. Commitment is volunteered based on the strength of the relationship between follower and leader

Where You Go From Here

The absence of leadership creates a vacuum that allows chaos to flourish. It shows up in dysfunctional relationships, lack of focus, poor execution, internal griping and grumbling, and ultimately poor performance and results. We can no longer afford to wait for others to lead. Do something today to fill that void. There are plenty of problems to solve, and each one of them is waiting for someone to choose to lead.

Randy Pennington helps leaders create cultures focused on results, relationships, and accountability. For additional information or to schedule Randy for your organization: contact via telephone at 972/980-9857; e-mail at Michele@adlassociates.com; or on the World Wide Web at http://www.penningtongroup.com. Send comments to Randy@penningtongroup.com.

©2010 by Pennington Performance Group; Addison, TX. All rights reserved. This article may be downloaded for personal and professional development. Copies may be shared within an individual organization. All other uses of this material are strictly prohibited without written permission from the author.

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