What’s the role of a leader?
“I may not be best at anything or the most knowledgeable in organizing projects, but I believe the role of the leader is not to do the work hands-on but to provide directions, bring the team together and set good visions” - The phrase was not said in as many words but that was the essense of the “campaign speech” given by a potential presidential candidate (Damian Leong) for Leo Club of Petaling Jaya Integrity for fiscal year 2010/2011. Although he didn’t win the majority of votes of was made the Vice President, I strongly believe that he is a great leader in the making and with the drive to succeed, he’s definitely one that could bring the team to greater heights. Hats off to him and I’m looking forward to a great leader for 2011/2012, don’t give up!
Back to the topic, what’s the role of a leader? I guess that phrase was spot-on! A leader’s role in fact isn’t to become the smartest, the know-it-all or the complete hands-on person; but one who knows everybody’s capabilities, motivations and the abilities to bring everyone towards to set vision and mission.
Very often, bright employees complain about the managers, good members in the club complains about the president’s leadership capabilities, and citizens of the country complains about government leadership. They in fact all lies in the fact about how a leader is promoted. The best salesperson is often made the sales manager, the best project organizer one day becomes the president; but in reality, are these people passionate about leading the team? Are these the best leaders in the team? No, they may just be best at doing the hands-on job, and will continue doing the hands-on task. It’s no wonder why many managers/leaders complain about being overworked and having too much to do, never enough time. It all boils down to leadership, developing people and delegation skills.
So why does people without passion in leadership or people development take on leadership position? The issue doesn’t only lie with the fact that “promotions are given, not asked for”. In reality, many employees/members strive to take on leadership positions because it is seen as “the pinacle of the organization” or “the most glamorous” or “the most visibly recognized”. The issue lies within the fact that most “worker ants” or sufficiently recognized for their job well done.
Thus, for an organization to do well, leadership positions should be selected based on leadership capabilities and not based on “top sales” or “top operations”. In addition, non-leadership positions needs to be sufficiently recognized and compensated for their contribution to the overall success (once again, it’s the leader’s role to ensure that this is done).
Having said that, there’s still a point to remember - leaders may not be the know it all, but it’s good for leaders to still be slightly hands-on to understand the complete operations of the team. That’s afterall an expert power that may come in handy one day.
Share on Facebook
Thanks for the support. I haven’t lost yet as I haven’t give up. You’re right, leadership is not about position. I may not have got the president post but that doesn’t stop me from being a leader.
If you don’t realize, the concept of leaders being non executors were said by you in the 1st RCC meeting of this fiscal year. I picked up many concepts from many good leaders and you are one of them.
So ideally in the real world the leader should not be paid higher then the guy doing the physical work.
Ivan: Does that remind you of soccer managers? I guess I got to agree with you that the manager should be paid on equal terms as other team members; and an “entry level management career” should exist.