Today's Leadership Quote

Today's #leadership quote “Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility.” ― Peter Drucker I think that this quote points out the critical difference between leaders and people who occupy positions of authority. Patrick Lencioni in his book The Motive points out that people in positions of authority have one of two perspectives on the position. The first set view the position as a reward for their efforts and expect that the people they are entrusted with to serve them. They see people as resources to be used to accomplish their desires and expect or demand blind obedience. The second set of people view the position as an opportunity to serve and develop new leaders. These individuals sacrifice so that their team members gain. They assume the obligation of helping team members become all that they can be. The see what team members are capable perhaps even before the team members see it themselves. The stark difference in outlook defines the difference between those who simply occupy positions of authority and those who actually lead. Leaders rarely use the word I, when things are going well. They constantly point out what the team members were able to accomplish and elevate the members of the team. They do however, use the word I when things are not moving in a positive direction. Leaders accept all of the blame and defer credit for the successes. Accepting a position of authority is on the surface simple and straight forward and something anyone is capable of. Carrying out the responsibilities that come with that role is never easy and requires humility, courage, persistence, and resilience. No level of authority can make a person a leader. Leaders are created through the trust of their followers and that trust can only be earned by caring more about the growth and development of the followers than the privilege of a position. Leaders realize the awesome obligations that a position of authority carry and embrace those responsibilities. Leaders understand that it is not about themselves bur rather the people they are entrusted to care for. Leaders embrace the tremendous obligations that come with the position because the reward that they receive from watching their followers become the best possible versions of themselves is more gratifying than anything personal accolades that they could receive. Choose leadership. The responsibilities are immense but the juice is worth the squeeze.