December 4, 2002 What Defines A Leader?

Over the years, I have heard hundreds of different responses from people about whom they regard as leaders. Their answers cut a very wide path. They include Presidents, Prime Ministers, and other world "Heads of State." They include larger than life, non-office holders as well, such as Gandhi, Mother Theresa, or Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sometimes their answers are very personal, like a high school drama teacher, a community volunteer or a church pastor. Occasionally business people are mentioned, and not just CEO's. Immediate supervisors, co-workers, even direct reports will sometimes get the nod. And of course, parents and other close family members are also frequently cited as great leaders.

At first glance, there is nothing in common about the people who are identified as leaders. Leadership don't seem to be directly related to organizational or political position. Mom's are as likely as Dad's. Race, color or creed doesn't seem to matter, nor does age, level of education or family pedigree.

However, when you dig a little deeper there is something in common among almost every person that has ever been held up as a leader. It has nothing to do with who they are, and everything to do with what they have done. We define leaders by their leadership, not by their social or genetic characteristics. So what is the thing they all have in common? When faced with a tough situation, rather than ignoring it or passing the responsibility (or blame) to someone else, they looked it straight in the eye, rose up and did something about it, whether they were expected to or not.

People become recognized as leaders because of the way they work through adversity.

With so much adversity confronting us these days, there certainly seems to be no shortage of opportunities for leaders to emerge. Business in many industries is down, and so is the confidence and trust in many of our once-heralded institutions. There are tough issues in all aspects of our lives, from the demoralizing problems in our schools to the tightrope in the Middle East. It seems like the time is right for many leaders to come forth. So, are they?

During times of crisis, change or increasing uncertainty, people more easily put their faith in and follow those who are willing to lead. Trouble is, there are too many people looking around the room for others to step up, instead of looking in the mirror.

We work with a variety of business people everyday who easily recite the difficulties their companies are facing right now. Interestingly enough, most of them when asked, are able to offer some thoughtful options on what they believe needs to be done to improve the current conditions. Unfortunately, too many of them have a whole litany of explanations about why they are prevented from doing much themselves. No budget, not enough political clout, no resources, other priorities - they cite a number of very valid reasons that interfere with their ability to do something.

But the people we end up recognizing and following as leaders have encountered all of these, as well as even more overwhelming kinds of obstacles. Yet, they have somehow figured out a way to deal with them. That is one of the telling signs that defines them as leaders; they are constantly coming up with things they can do, and then relentlessly scratching, clawing, stretching and driving ahead until they are successful.

As a very turbulent year comes to an end and the prospect of an even wilder roller-coaster ride awaits, think about yourself as a leader. How do you answer the following questions?

• Are you going to be one of the spectators, watching (and perhaps praying) for others to tackle the tough issues, or are you going to take the risk to suit up and get in the game?
• Are you going to continue to build self-convincing arguments about what you cannot do, or instead, decide on what you can do and then figure out how to rally a handful of people to join you?
• Are you going to ignore, or are you going to care?
• What are you going to do, that will earn you the right to be seen as a leader by others?

Hopefully, you will take some time to reflect on what you have experienced this year and what you want to be able to contribute going forward. Be reminded that the adverse circumstances you are facing today are precisely the situations from which leaders come forth. Also, never underestimate the number of people around you who need you and are depending upon you to guide them through the tough times ahead.

Our hope is that you will strengthen your resolve to accept the responsibility and carry out the hard work of leadership in spite of some of the odds in front of you. Because if you don't, who will? And if they don't?