Leadership is one of the most gratifying roles anyone can play. The ability to inspire action from people to achieve great results is not an easy feat. Someone in a leadership position must continuously wear many hats, and keeping the patience and persistence to succeed through it all takes a very special kind of personality.
In my view, being in a leadership position is like being a parent. A leader must want and expect the best from all employees, no matter their temperament, traits, backgrounds, likes, dislikes or anything else that may make people different and a challenge to deal with. A leader must be able to inspire action through a genuine connection with each person they are in charge of. The relationship must be built on trust so that the employee feels free to make mistakes without fear of judgement. In doing so, an employee will become more creative and innovative since he/she aren’t scared of failure. Exactly like a parent would with a child.
Not everyone is capable of being in a leadership position, and I see it all the time, from managers who are selfish, to ones who are disconnected from the team to ones who are bullies to ones who don’t know a thing about inspiring people.
