A deeply frustrated friend came home the other day muttering “some people can actually do it, but most just act it”. He was talking about a group of leaders he is on a board with. “They act it, leadership, well; they have been really, really well trained; they know what to say and how to say it, and they say it with such conviction. But underneath, they simply are not leaders”.
I had been at a meeting too that day, with a man who appoints interim leaders to failing organisations. He was desperate – his pool of talent needed new skills now. They couldn’t simply work the numbers, move them around, appoint consultants and “drive through” a new strategy. They would actually have to lead – and become vulnerable in so doing – because there was no alternative turnaround option.
The world is revealing the difference between people who act it (and act it well) and people who really are leaders – brave, bold, inspiring, unpolished, driven and difficult.
1 response so far ↓
1 Nick Both // Aug 10, 2009 at 23:51
Your distinction here is quite challenging. I know plenty of people (and I think I include myself among them) who stick their kneck out and get on with doing what they hope is right.
Yes it is messy. Sometimes I know I’m acting a whole load of things, and I can see people I admire doing the same, and doing it well.
The business of being confident when you are trying something that you’re not sure will work is sometimes the business of leading. To pull that off, even the finest leaders have to have a stab at acting it, hopefully well.
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