Being a leader is like an onion. One agrees (though sometimes leaders are pushed into positions due to necessity) to enter the fold, thinking that we know what to expect, for the most part. We realize that there will be unexpected turns down the road, but nothing we can’t handle. We peel back the layers, little by little, and then something happens — and we’re forced to confront countless layers at once — and we wonder why we even agreed to lead in the first place.
That’s the thing about leadership — we can prepare as much as possible for potential pitfalls, but we are chosen to lead not only because we’re good at glossing things over. We’re also in that position because we are seen as the one who can right the situation should the worst-case scenario happen to play out, a situation outside the realm of imagination. It is then that we are in free-fall, and any decision we make not only impacts us but every single person associated with our organization. That’s why leadership should never be taken lightly.
We as leaders are to make decisions on a daily basis. That’s what we’re there. We think for the whole, charting a course for the team. We are the source of vision, and sometimes that vision isn’t perfect. But it’s nonetheless a vision, and for us to even chance a vision in the first place is courageous.
Sometimes in pursuing that vision we make mistakes, and unfortunately, these mistakes are sometimes necessary so that we may grow into better leaders. But they happen, and just because we’re at the top of the ladder doesn’t mean we have an answer for everything. I think that’s the common misconception. A lot of people believe, “This person is in the position because they know everything there is to know.” In reality, that is never the case. Just like the employees, we’re still learning. We may be in a different stage of development from the employees. After all, we possess more responsibility. But believe me. We’re still trying to figure things out for ourselves, too.
Leadership is a hard concept to grasp. It isn’t something one can outline, because every situation, every organization, requires a different leadership approach. Depending on what stage of development the organization is in as a whole, in addition to the level of support from our superiors, our financials, how comfortable we are at confronting others, all influences how we approach our own leadership approach.
Is it hard to be a leader? Of course. Do I sometimes wonder why I’m the leader? Every day. But am I better than I was yesterday? Yes. Am I personally fulfilled because of my own leadership journey? Also yes. I love being a leader, even though I have bad days and people who have very little idea of my position still feel entitled to criticize me. Because I know at the end of the day that I was meant to do this, and that’s what keeps me going.
