Popularity vs. Respect

Leadership, in one sense, is a balance between being likable and respected for your integrity. The disparity between these extremes is exaggerated when the ethical standards of the leader and followers are at odds. To be fully “liked” by their followers, a leader would have to change his standards to match theirs.

On the other hand, when an ethical corporate culture exists, everyone is on the same level and empowered to keep each other accountable. In such a situation, a leader is respected if he takes the high road when facing an ethical crossroads.

Like a common vision unites the efforts of a team, a common set of values will guide them in constructive dialogue and decision-making. A leader can be both respected and liked when the ethical standards are high for every member of the group.

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References

1. Komives, S. R., Lucas, N., & McMahon, T. R. (2009). Exploring leadership: For college students who want to make a difference. John Wiley & Sons.

Do What’s Right

“Right decisions are right – whether they are popular or not.”

Reading Awaken the Leader Within by Bill Perkins made it three times I’d heard this admonishment this week. The first time was during a discussion about integrity. Someone brought up the point that integrity often means going the way you know is right even when society or your peers all go the other way.

The second time happened while I was reading

Tapestry of Grace

Everyone has a story. Everyone has a struggle. Some seem more grand or dramatic than another’s, but all are important, unique, and inspiring.

When you first look at a person, a natural prejudiced forms based on how they talk, what they wear, or the circumstances in which you meet. Often, your hasty judgement gives an incomplete assessment of someone’s character.

Over the first few weeks of leadership class, I got to hear a but of the stories of each of my class-mates. I realized that many of my assumptions were incorrect. Their stories helped me interpret their actions and opinions shared in class. I listen to them now with their stories in mind.

Many of them had a significant life struggle that they shared, but they also included how they made it through and the people or activities that helped them. Every story ended up being inspirational because you could clearly see God at work, shaping them into who they are now. Everything happens for a reason as God weaves our lives into a tapestry of grace.

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To dive deeper into the topic of story, watch this captivating TED Talk on the Danger of a Single Story:

Followership

While I’m often placed in leadership roles by default when no one else steps up, I resonate deeply with the idea of good followership. In most cases, I would rather have someone else ~ a good leader ~ in the official role while I do my best to be a support and an enabler.

A classic example of this followership role, and one I aspire to emulate, is the Proverbs 31 woman. In this case, the leader is the husband, who we know sits with the elders of the land and is known by people. The woman is neither idle, nor a mindless follower of her successful spouse, but rather a leader in her own right as an industrious homemaker and woman of God.

If we test her against Latour and Rast’s (2004) follower competency chart, I imagine we would find her to be a prime example of a competent leader-follower. After all, she is loyal to her family, functions well as a team-member, thinks independently, and is her own type of leader.

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Update 4/26/17:
Over the course of the leadership minor, I have developed my confidence as a leader. Today, I embrace official leadership roles and feel prepared to deal with whatever situation might arise. Previously, I could only manage a follower role because I had a tendency to over-commit. As a college senior, my time management skills and ability to set realistic expectations for myself have significantly improved.

It’s exciting to re-read my first post within the leadership minor and to realize just how much I’ve learned.

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References

1. Komives, S. R., Lucas, N., & McMahon, T. R. (2009). Exploring leadership: For college students who want to make a difference. John Wiley & Sons.