A Successful or A People Leader – Who Art Thou?

Hello friends, it took me a while to come up with a topic for my next post. Here I attempt to dissect the personalities of two different kinds of leaders. In full disclaimer, the opinions expressed in this article, are my views only.

Let me start off by doing a level set on terminology. When I refer to a “Successful” leader, I am referring to people who have enjoyed a fairly rapid career ascent track putting them at an enviable position. People usually look at them in awe at their growth record. When I say “People” leader, I refer to people whose primary agenda is not growth for themselves, but that of the people that work for them. When I say “Leader” I am not necessarily referring to the top brass of the company. If your role involves leading a project, a task within a project, or even a single team member, you are a leader per my definition.

Traits of a Successful Leader

• Expert in managing the expectations of higher ups
• Operate with a mindset of making the boss happy and successful. “Suck-up to the Boss” would be a grossly informal way of saying this, but they do go to great lengths to massage the egos of their bosses.
•  Care about outcomes that ultimately roll up the boss’s success and work extremely hard to achieve them – often ruling with an iron fist if needed.
• Will put in a phenomenal effort of putting themselves in the limelight not just in front of their boss, but usually the boss’s Boss as well.
• Are experts in navigating the maze of organizational hierarchy while building their alliance network.
• Derive satisfaction from their career growth, post which they will help grow others responsible for their success.
• They are widely visible in the wider organization.
• People look at their success path with “awe” and “envy”.

Traits of a People Leader

• To them, the team/people come first – often ahead of either their bosses or even themselves.
• The experience restlessness when their team is in pain, and will do everything within their power to rectify things.
• Are constantly thinking about their team and their needs often before others raise concerns.
• Will always be the first people to take a bullet on behalf of the team.
• Despite hard work, their success is relatively limited as they are not necessarily experts in maneuvering the corporate maze.
• Derive satisfaction when they are able to influence the success of their team, even if they themselves are not as successful.
• They are usually not too visible within the wider organization.
• People look at them with “respect”

Yes, there is a third category that you may call “Successful People Leader” that reflects the best of the two breeds, and while I salute them, IMO there are relatively hard to find.

Every leader or a budding leader needs to make a call and answer for themselves – who are they, or who will they want to be. Their thoughts, actions and personality will reflect on one of these personas – consciously or sub-consciously. There is nothing right or wrong about either of these leadership styles. It is all about perspective that drives their plan of action. I would be very curious to hear your POV on this.

Dear leader, who Art Thou?