The true meaning of Leadership

It is not easy for everyone to start their own business, those who managed to do so are not necessarily lucky, running a business could be extremely challenging and stressful ,however based on an interesting conversation I had with a Business owner and an impressive entrepreneur, I kind of got a different view on the topic.

It all started when I asked the question, how did you decide to open your own business?

With a deep sigh she replied:’’ I got exhausted of working for people who couldn’t keep their promises, Business leaders who disappointed me and a leadership style which affected my mental health’’.

I thought it was a bit of an unfair statement and said:’’ not all business leaders are of the same caliber, you cannot give up just because of one or 2 or even few challenging bosses’’.

She continued to explain:’’ when you have an interview and ask all the important questions about Organization’s vision, leadership and management style, culture, values, expectations and you receive all the positive and encouraging answers which make you feel that this is the employer of choice and this is the work place anyone would wish to be at, then you join , go through the total opposite scenario, so please don’t tell me I should not be disappointed or feeling deceived. It did not happen once or twice to a point I started feeling that I am either a fool or a magnate to incompetent leaders.

Does creating a positive, a friendly, an energetic atmosphere, supporting employees on all aspects, being fair, providing equal opportunities, appreciating, acknowledging the efforts of employees, respecting them, not bullying them and looking after their mental health conflict with the best interest of the Company ?

Why would I be assured that as a working mother of 3 kids with a great reference check that I will be supported if I -for few times a year- need to attend some activities or PTAs (Parents& Teachers assemblies) for only an hour and I will be back to office ,that this is impressive and it wont be a problem at all ?

Why should I feel that if one of my kids fall sick and I had to WORK from home that I have done a crime although it happened couple of times during the year, one of which my son was admitted to hospital?

I thought that working remotely is what the world is currently heading towards and it has proven to be a successful method.

I am a very hard-working woman, passionate, dynamic, with a great record, have not disappointed any stakeholders or any management for the past 20 years, so why did I always keep my promises at a time most business leaders made me build beautiful castles in the sand and once I was done they sent a big wave to destroy all the hard work?

Having said all that and going through all kind of disappointing scenarios, I decided to be my own boss although I know it will be extremely challenging and financially draining but at least I will be attending my kids graduations, not feeling guilty if one of them falls ill, my dignity and self-respect will be safe, my belief in human rights, justice, gender equality, absence of racism/ politics and personal agendas is restored.’’

That was the end of our conversation as she had to prepare for her new challenging journey , I truly felt her pain, yes she does have valid points and as HR professional for the past 18 years I couldn’t pretend that I didn’t come across individuals who are actually going through what she has gone through but the only difference here is that she decided to take the risk and we cannot expect everyone to take the same risk, therefore; I really hope that Business leaders will sit in the chair on the other side of the table , reflect on all scenarios , be transparent with themselves before being true and transparent to others.

At the end of the day, happy and content employees are the reason behind any successful business and being a leader means leading by example.