Gentle Reminder: Be a Leader
Jonathan Day
Global Leader | Data Management | Data Governance, Quality and MDM | Decision Science & Visualization | Six Sigma Certified | Financial Services
Being a strong leader takes years of experience and training, right?
If so, corporations are failing.
Less than 5% of businesses invest in leadership development at all levels, despite US businesses spending $166 billion annually on leadership training. (Source: ZIPPIA)
Recently I overheard a coworker talking about what it means to be a strong leader -- I recall words like, experience, dedication and knowledge. While those may be characteristics of figures that history has deemed great; having those qualities does not necessarily equate to someone being a great leader.
Overhearing this conversation made me think of Mark Sanborn's book, credited above. In one of my favorite illustrations of this, Mark remembers a humble but strong spirit that encapsulates the actions of a truly great leader:
Rosa Parks had no idea of the impact she would have on history when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on that bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Yet her actions and courage changed the course of our nation's history.
As Mark illustrates, strong leaders can be found in all walks of life. Strong leadership can be summarized by understanding what matters and taking action to influence/drive outcomes that benefit both people and the organization.
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Like the statistic above, leadership is seldom appropriately rewarded or even encouraged at all levels of the organization. Despite that, understanding what matters most and influencing correct decisions will not only impact others around you [including the customer], it will allow you to know you did the right thing.
The actions Ms. Parks took on that day had wide ramifications and has influenced many people since then.
Many of us cannot even imagine what it would have been like to 'walk in Ms. Park's shoes' that day, but let's honor her example by striving to do what's right.
Be a leader.
#blackhistorymonth #leadership
Data Management Specialist Member of TechUK & Greater Manchester Chamber
1 周May be a 9 month old post but it is a compelling reminder that leadership is about impactful actions, not just titles or training. Love it!?
MBA, Engineer | Enterprise AI | Advanced Analytics | Third-Gen Cloud Data Platform with Governed and Secure Generative AI | World's First Arbor Essbase Post-Sales Consultant
8 个月Thank you for sharing Jonathan!
Business psychologist helping entrepreneurs and their teams define their next quest. Business and team formation using appreciative inquiry, systems thinking, positive psychology, and card games.
9 个月In 'The Power of Habit' they talk about how while she wasn't a protest leader per se, she was well-connected and respected. She was not a 'rebel.' So when she protested, it triggered a level of social impact that only her integrity and social connection made possible. It is a different kind of leadership, but it an important one.