019 - Leadership is Assumed not Bestowed

If you want to be a leader, you have to develop your own confidence to run with the job.  It is uncomfortable to step up and lead, but you have to want it more to be a leader than your pain of discomfort in grabbing the helm.

There are several reasons why leadership should not be bestowed upon anyone:

• It is costly to “appoint” a leader, if they don’t turn out to be one. Both financially and to the reputation of the owner / principal decision makers.
• Choosing a leader will disappoint other aspirants for the position, which is painful to the entrepreneur who had built the organization through direct communication with his direct reports.
• Selecting a leader in his stead can impact the identity of the owner, who may depend on the satisfaction of being the leader himself.  If no one report to him anymore, he may feel less of a player.

A leader should start leading first and will be recognized as such later.

Listen to my own story about stepping down as a leader when I sold my company and how the experience felt.

Question of the Day: What would it take for you to assume a higher leadership position?