Moving Beyond the Pedestal – There comes the Day you Become the Role Model

Introduction

?In the journey of professional growth, especially within the executive realm, there's a subtle yet transformative realization that reshapes our perspective towards leadership: the recognition that elevating our managers to a god-like status might hinder rather than help our own leadership evolution. This realization marks a pivotal shift in how we perceive ourselves and those we once considered infallible. My own career, enriched by years of striving for excellence in the tech industry and a significant tenure at Microsoft Corporation, has been a testament to this evolution of thought.?

Beyond the Pedestal - Unveiling the Limits of Idolizing Superiors

Early in our careers, it's natural to look upwards—to see our superiors as benchmarks of success and repositories of wisdom. They are "up there" for a reason, we tell ourselves. Better, smarter, and more experienced. This belief becomes a driving force, pushing us to emulate these figures, and to one day stand among them. Yet, as we climb the ranks, gaining insight, experience, and a deeper understanding of our business, customers, and market, a shift occurs. The once formidable gap between us and our superiors narrows, leading to a profound realization: perhaps they are not so different from us after all.

This epiphany was sharply brought into focus during a conversation with the dearest person in my life, who observed my journey with a clarity I had missed. "You have reached a senior level," she noted, "you are in the business just as long as the ones above you. Why should they be better or smarter? Stop comparing yourself and stop putting people on a pedestal they just don't belong." Her words were a beacon, illuminating the path to a new understanding of leadership.?

The Psychology Behind the Pedestal

The inclination to elevate leaders to a pedestal stems from our inherent desire for role models—figures who embody the pinnacle of success and wisdom from which we can draw inspiration and guidance. It is a psychological framework upon which we build our aspirations, a tangible representation of what we aim to become. However, this tendency also breeds a hierarchical perception of ability and value, often masking the reality that leadership is not about being fail-safe but about fostering growth, innovation, and resilience within our teams.?

The Evolution of the Pedestal with Rising Seniority

As we ascend through the ranks, the pedestals we built in our minds should indeed become smaller, gradually disappearing. This is not to diminish the respect and admiration for those who lead us but to recognize that true leadership is characterized by humility, the willingness to learn from everyone at every level, and the recognition that the best leaders often do not seek to be the smartest in the room. Instead, they focus on enabling the growth of those around them, hiring individuals who may very well be smarter, and fostering an environment where diverse ideas and perspectives drive innovation.?

The Importance of Role Models and Becoming One

The value of having role models cannot be overstated, yet a moment arises when it becomes essential for us to embrace the mantle of mentorship for others. This evolution signifies a pivotal point in the development of authentic leadership. It reflects an eagerness to inspire, lead, and support others along their journey, transcending the bounds of undue glorification or veneration. The essence of being a role model is not to stand above others in elevation, but to walk with those we mentor, sharing in their struggles, celebrating their victories, and guiding them with empathy, integrity, and insight.?

Summary

The journey of leadership is one of continuous growth, learning, and self-reflection. Recognizing and moving beyond the unnecessary pedestals we construct is a crucial step in developing a more grounded, authentic, and effective leadership style. As we evolve from aspiring executives to seasoned leaders, our focus should shift from emulating those above us to becoming the leaders who empower and inspire, without the need for pedestals, but with a profound commitment to lifting others to their heights of potential. This, I believe, is the essence of transformational leadership, and it is a path that I, alongside many others, strive to walk with purpose and humility.?

Lead, Inspire, Transform - Turn Admiration into Action!