The ladder is a proof of how tall I stand

In our corporate world we see both high level Executives who are competent and who aren’t.

We often believe in ourselves that the higher up I’m in the hierarchy the more efficient I’m as a leader. As a matter of fact, titles do not signify leadership roles, leadership is defined by the individual.

Promotion does not imply that he/she is an excellent leader, it only means that you have been successful in producing excellent business results. It symbolizes advancement and that you are valued employee.

It is close to saying that the bodybuilder champion is the strongest man or that’s how most people would actually think.

If this is not that and that is not this, then what is success and why we don’t call everyone a leader.

Great question!

To keep it simple, a career ladder is also a way to success but the framework of ladder is built on a linear path. It is most likely how we address success and we believe that climbing each step means we are entitled to leadership. You slip or slide off the step and then start from there and move vertically.

Whereas, true leadership is built on a jungle gym path, there are many pathways to get to the top, there are many trips and falls, many detours and dead ends, there is room to experiment and explore and finally grow.

Being a leader does not require a title, a time period or permission. Leadership starts when you gather the confidence in yourself to lead.

Dr. Sameer AlObaidli