So in the wake of another #generalelection, I have been fascinated by listening to – and watching – the various party leaders try to connect and communicate with the Great British public. If It’s not inspiring, it’s entertaining. At least some of the time!
From a country figurehead, to a captain of industry, to one of our own school teachers; we’ve all been affected by someone we thought of as an extraordinary leader.
The interesting thing is that whilst we might look on in awe, we rarely seem to try to understand what it is that makes them different. What’s the secret? Where’s the magic?
I see this all the time in my travels; working with global businesses – at the highest level – there is still, often, a sense of “you’ve either got it, or you haven’t”. And whilst there is undeniably some truth in this, the greater truth is that – as in most things – it’s a cross between nature and nurture.
In fact most organisations would be in trouble if they were to only rely upon natural born leaders!
They are far and few between.
Instead organisations know the majority of their best leaders – extraordinary leaders – are the result of hard work and development. It doesn’t just happen. They have honed their craft either though a heart felt love of what they do, or a passion to change things for the better, or sometimes personal ambition. But rarely just that.
It’s one of the reasons I love what I do; I know that it’s possible to change things. A change in a level of skill, that then goes on to change other people’s hearts and minds, the teams you lead and eventually your organisation.
Being intentional about being a better – extraordinary leader – reaps massive rewards for individuals, families, teams and businesses.
Perhaps even a country.
Martin Coburn
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