To be effective as a leader one first needs to come to terms with their ultimate motivation for taking on a leadership role.
In simple terms there are two kinds of leaders. Those who seek the rewards that come with position, power, and authority—“rewards-based leaders”—and those who courageously embrace the responsibilities that define true leadership—“responsibility-based leaders” or what is often referred to as a “servant leader”.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying the rewards that accompany leadership. The issue is whether the rewards are the goal or the by-product.
The challenge for rewards-based leaders is that tend to abdicate, avoid, and delegate the responsibilities that come with leadership. As a result the team becomes dysfunctional and inferior results are achieved.
Patrick Lencioni, author of The Motive, has done an excellent job in identifying the five key responsibilities that accompany true leadership, as follows:
- Having difficult and uncomfortable conversations
- Managing direct reports
- Running great meetings
- Developing cohesive teams
- Providing adequate reminders
To obtain a proper perspective of these key responsibilities I encourage you to watch the following 30 minute video:
and obtain the book, The Motive.
What you will learn is that great leaders courageously embrace the responsibilities that come with their role and are willing to sacrifice the rewards, if necessary, for the greater good. Ironically, in the process of letting go of the rewards, and embracing the responsibilities, not only are leaders defined, but greater results achieved and sustained.
Herb Mast is a Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.