I was struck by a series of observable events in the public arena recently involving both formal and informal leaders. These events highlighted for us the true essence of leadership, an attribute too often falsely equated with glamour. These events cause us to be reminded that leadership was founded instead upon the character we develop and demonstrate as we progress through the ups and downs of life’s journey.
The first instance involved the tributes provided by both friends and foes upon the death of Senator Ted Kennedy. While he was honored and acknowledged by his adversaries, these tributes and actions were as much a reflection of the honorable character of such individuals as Senators John McCain and Orrin Hatch as they were of Sen. Kennedy. All three reflect too often less found qualities among toda
y’s "leaders." These three senators built a consistent, lengthy track record of success for their respect of all, including their adversaries, as individuals dedicated to making their country better as well as being trustworthy individuals whose handshake, when given, was without reproach. While, like all people, they too acknowledged that they were imperfect beings, another striking attribute of these three long-standing, admired leaders is their deep and abiding sense of spiritual faith that increasingly enabled them to overcome personal mistakes, shortcoming, and setbacks in their lives that have often destroyed others.
Interestingly, in a totally different field— professional football—an "informal" leader announced his retirement after a very lengthy career with the same single team. Teddy Bruschi was an undersized player for his position with a lot less natural talent than others that he consistently outplayed based on the "hard work, perseverance, and selfless team-first approach" for which he was recognized by his team’s owner. It is almost incomprehensible that this individual recognized as an all-pro in 1 of his 13 years was, however, referred to by his coach as a "perfect player." Perhaps, most amazingly, this is an individual who suffered what was considered a career-ending stroke, only to play at a high level for 3 ½ more years before he finally decided to retire.
It is also worth noting that a celebratory culmination of their leadership careers was common among these true leaders—people of character, not the ‘empty suits’ in their career fields, and others, that have become all too common and, in the process, resulted in a too often negative, distorted, and undervalued view of the importance of such true leaders that are so essential in every profession!
The takeaway from observing these lessons in leadership that are there for us to observe in our daily lives is that we, too, can both become true ‘leaders’ and contribute to the effectiveness of those seeking to be ones by focusing on the true indicators of leadership—the person and their character, not such illusions of leadership as status, power, or one’s views.
Dr. Michael O’Connor is a recognized thought leader, executive coach and founder of Life Associates & The Center For Managing By Values. Michael is the co-author of "The Leadership Bridge Program (Situational Leadership® II & DISC)" several books, "The Leader Within," "Managing By Values," "People Smart," and more. For additional information visit www.centerformbv.com.
