Desirable Leadership or Needed Leadership?

The late Warren Bennis once said of his tenure as president of the University of Cincinnati that he more wanted to be president more than “do” president. He liked the being of it, but not as much the work of it.

I think we can all learn from his honest admission. The danger is pursuing the prestige of leadership rather than the practice of leadership.

Desirable leadership is when we get to lead what we want and when we want under good conditions.

The harder form of leadership is needed leadership: stepping up to a real need that requires leadership to address.

Desirable leadership is enjoyable, but not always impactful.

Needed leadership is impactful, but not always enjoyable.

Where is leadership needed in your community or organization? Are you the leader to meet the need?

And are their leaders in your organization who have the position, but aren’t doing the work?

Remember that being a leader isn’t the same as doing leadership.

Mark Sanborn is an award-winning speaker and advisor to leaders. He is the Leadership Expert in Residence at High Point University, the Premier Life Skills University which challenges students to “choose to be extraordinary.” For more information about his work or to book him to speech, visit www.marksanborn.com.

The post Desirable Leadership or Needed Leadership? appeared first on Mark Sanborn Keynote Leadership Speaker.