I recently had a “conversation” via e-mail with the son of some of my oldest and dearest friends. Bill is in his middle 30’s, an Eagle Scout who has some interesting insights into the concept of leadership. When asked what traits he believed caused an individual to say “I choose to follow that leader”, Bill wrote the following reply. With his permission, I share it with you.
“The sort of traits that cause a person–or me, at least–to say, “this is someone I choose to follow,” are: authenticity, integrity, character, honesty. These are naturally related to each other and are the antithesis of the more common “do as I say, not as I do” leaders (using the term loosely) we tend to find otherwise. Whatever a person’s convictions or beliefs, to claim some title, adjective, or position as one’s own, but then behave in diametric opposition thereto is fraud, plain and simple. This establishes the moral authority to be a leader, but that is not the sole requisite of genuine leadership. I have heard it said that there is a difference between a manager and a leader: the former maintains the status quo, whereas the latter makes an original and positive contribution to those he or she leads. Put another way, a person may be compelled to follow a manager, but will voluntarily follow a genuine leader.
“Perhaps the most striking example of a genuine leader is Pope Francis. The full and formal title belonging to his office is: “Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Vatican City State, Servant of the servants of God.” Not only does this lengthy description imply that the incumbent has some rather large shoes to fill, it is about the last phrase that I wish to comment. Personal beliefs and practices, such as they may be, aside, taking on the title of “Servant of the servants of God” echoes teachings attributed to Christ, according to which and to whom he should necessarily be conducting his own affairs and those of the Church. Let us consider this news story (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/24/us-pope-concert-idUSBRE95N0S920130624) published just this week. Of particular interest in the Reuters article is the description of him putting his work ethic above social affairs, consistently declining the material wealth normally associated with his office, and conducting his daily duties as closely as possible to ‘the people,’ rather than in seclusion. This, to me, is the definition of moral authority: he is conducting his own affairs and is evaluating plans for conducting those of the Church both according to his understanding of Christ’s teachings and to the Jesuit mission. The fact that his doing so seems to surprise people might suggest that we should evaluate our own expectations as to what exactly we believe ourselves to be entitled, as opposed to privileged to have. Certainly the contributions Francis will make to the Church are expected to be positive (and God help the Church if his approach is actually original), making him a genuine leader.”
Authenticity, integrity, character, honesty … four words that speak to the high moral disposition that inspires others to follow. Great leaders who desire to positively impact the lives of those who choose to follow would do well to keep Bill’s answer in mind.
Tom Hoisington is a speaker, trainer, and author whose goal is to provide leaders and potential leaders with tools that empower them to build teams that are creative and cost effective along with a clearer understanding of how personality types interact within those teams. He can be contacted at tom.hoisington@eagleoneresources.com