Is there a wrong way to be a leader? I would argue that there is a wrong way to lead that does more damage to a cause then it helps, one that is centered on an individual who might have a charismatic personality but no ideas and instead relies on suggestions to others of how things ought to be. What I mean by suggestions is a statement of opinion about the way reality should be, as opposed to ideas which are solution oriented and creative.
What you might hear from a suggestion-based leader vs. an idea-based leader:
| Suggestion-Based Leader | Idea-Based Leader | The Difference |
| “That’s your problem” | “How would you work this out?” | inspire the person to think for themselves |
| “I want results” | “This is how you’re contributing” | fit the work into a larger picture |
| “You need us, so you’ll help us” | “Here’s what we have to offer each other” | balance of power in relationships |
| “I’ll talk him into it” | “I’ll see what he thinks” | listen and reason with people |
| “We succeed because we work hard” | “We succeed because we add value” | purpose matters more than effort |
Here is how you can become a great(er) leader:
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Follow through on your idea in your own life first
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Let your conviction speak through your actions
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Build your network by seeking out others who inspire you
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Help somebody
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Be human like everybody else and let the idea itself take center stage
Great ideas make great leaders, and I am proud to say that in our community of Greater Providence in Rhode Island and nearby Boston there are many people who have taken their inspiration and turned it into action.
Who do you consider to be a great leader? Why?