Are You Still Leading?

Being in a leadership position is no guarantee we are leading. Holding the title of leader isn’t an indication one actually leads.

Leading, by definition, is an active term. It means we are taking people somewhere. And, even the best leaders have periods when they aren’t necessarily leading anything. Obviously, those periods shouldn’t be too long or progress, or momentum eventually stalls, but leadership is an exhaustive process. It can be draining. Sometimes we need a break.

For an obvious example, I try to shut down at the end of every day and most Saturdays. I’m not leading anything—but I’m still a leader. And I periodically stop leading for a more extended period. During those times—I’m intentionally not leading anything. There are other times, such as after we’ve accomplished a major project, when I may intentionally “rest” from leading to catch my breath and rely on our current systems and structures to maintain us.

But, again, those times should be intentional and they shouldn’t be too extended. In my experience, leaders get frustrated when they aren’t leading for too long a period.

 How do you evaluate if you are leading or simply maintaining? One way is to look for the results of leading. What happens when you do lead? And ask if those are occurring.

Here are seven indicators that you’re not leading anymore: 

- Nothing is being changed. 

Leadership is about something new. Somewhere you haven’t been. That’s change. If nothing is changing—you can do that without a leader.

- No paradigms are being challenged. 

Many times, the best change is a change of mindset—a way we think. Leaders are constantly learning so they can challenge the thinking “inside the box.”

- You’re not asking questions. 

A leader only knows what he or she knows. Nothing more. And many times the leader is the last to know. A great part of leadership is about discovery. And you only get answers to questions you ask.

- There are competing visions. 

Leaders point people to a vision. A vision. Not many visions. One of the surest ways to derail progress is to have multiple visions. It divides energy and people. It confuses instead of bringing clarity. When we fail to lead, competing visions arise and confusion elevates.

- No one is complaining. 

You can’t lead anything involving worthwhile change where everyone agrees. If no one is complaining, someone is settling for less than best.

- People aren’t being stretched. 

There are never moments of confusion. Please understand. A leader should strive for clarity. But, when things are changing and challenging, there will always be times of confusion. That’s when good leaders get even better at communicating, listening, vision casting, etc.

- People being “happy” has become a goal. 

Everyone likes to be liked or “popular.” In fact, some get into leadership for the notoriety. But the end goal of leadership should be accomplishing a vision—not making sure everyone loves the leader. Progress hopefully makes most people happy, but when the goal begins with happiness, in my experience, no one is ever really made happy.

 

Leader, have you been sitting idle for too long? Is it time to lead something again?

 

Be Inspired!