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The Sound Of Leadership

by Miki Saxon

Have you ever thought about what leadership sounds like?

Real leadership makes no noise.

Real leadership goes quietly about its tasks.

Real leadership doesn’t announce itself or blather on about what it plans to do in the future.

Real leadership isn’t a pied piper that mesmerizes you to follow along on its journey.

Real leadership happens every day all around you; it’s done by your colleagues, those you pass on the street and the people in your home.

So the next time you hear leadership be suspicious, be very suspicious.

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8 Responses to “The Sound Of Leadership”
  1. Justin Long Says:

    While I agree that real leadership should exercise humility and meekness (which is what I think your post is about), I also think that real leadership must cast vision. Leadership is where someone LEADS others TOWARD a goal, and this requires inspiration and motivation. Wouldn’t you agree?

  2. Miki Saxon Says:

    Hi Justin, no, I wasn’t talking about meekness or humility. I think that the healthiest reaction in the aftermath of a leadership instance is pride and elation.

    And, to be honest, I am tired of individuals casting visions in an effort to LEAD others. That’s what happened on Wall Street and AIG, not to mention Hitler’s vision and all the other so-called leaders who project my (our) way or the highway visions.

    I see leadership as an attitude the permeates an organization, imbuing each person with the ability to contribute to the vision and step forward as the need requires.

  3. Audley Says:

    As you’ve clearly articulated anyone, anytime anywhere can demonstrate leadership skills through their actions.

    The moment you’re able to positively influence others through your actions- you are worthy of being called a leader.

  4. Miki Saxon Says:

    Hi Audley, agreed, the designation comes after the act.

    Thanks for taking time to add your thoughts!

  5. Mike King Says:

    Great points Miki, leadership is something that doesn’t have to be announced or make to happen with others knowing, its more natural and fluid than that. I like the sound metaphor in describing this, very powerful.

  6. Miki Saxon Says:

    Hi Mike, thank you for your kind words, I’m glad you liked it.

    I honestly believe that all the leader* words are third person terms used to describe the actions of others—or should be.

    Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation.

  7. Anthony P Says:

    I love your analogy of leadership and sound…it’s always more about knowing who’s behind the desk and the support you get than the actual voice.

    Effective leadership is measured by how successful your followers become. As John Maxwell says, “If you call yourself a leader and no one is following, you are just out for a walk.” Having an effective leadership means mentoring your employees to excel, following your lead.

    I’ve got similar sentiments in my own article about Effective Leadership: Mentoring on my personal website.
    Thanks,
    -Anthony

  8. Miki Saxon Says:

    Hi Anthony, I’m not sure I agree with the Maxwell quote. The more identifies those around them as ‘followers’ the more suspicious I become.

    But then, I’m not a fan of positional leadership or of trading mentoring for acolytes. I’ve known many great mentors who aren’t leaders within the accepted definitions.

    Or maybe I’m just tired of the leadership language, finding it incredibly pretentious as I’ve written in the past and will likely do so in the future.

    Thanks for stopping by and adding your thoughts; they are far more mainstream than mine:)

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