The more things change, the more they stay the same. We live in a fast changing culture. The shifts needed in leadership can appear daunting. However, even in the midst of rapid change, the core of what a leader does has stayed relative consistent. The application of principles may change, morph, and need to be adjusted.
James Kouzes and Barry Posner have written extensively on leadership. In a chapter they wrote for the book, The Leader of the Future, they shared seven core lessons for leaders.
Leaders Don’t Wait: A leader doesn’t just say the vision, she shows the vision. Leaders act on what they believe needs to be done. When you find yourself always waiting for permission it seldom arrives in the time frame you need it. This doesn’t mean you act recklessly. It does mean you act with reasonable assurance.
Character Counts: Leaders need to be guided by personal values. You need to know what you believe and act on those beliefs. “People expect their leaders to stand for something and to have the courage of their convictions.”
Leaders Have Their Heads in the Clouds and Their Feet on the Ground: A leader has a view toward the future, but is clear about where they currently stand. When you declare the mountain you are going to climb you must have some idea of the path you will take.
Shared Values Make a Difference: People need a set of common values, principles, and causes. When there is no sense of shared values any consensus is frayed. “Although leaders don’t wait for anyone, if they don’t build consensus on vision and values they will be all alone!”
You Can’t Do It Alone: As the band Three Dog Night sang, One is the loneliness number you will ever do. They aren’t wrong. One not only is lonely, it is ineffective when trying to achieve great things. “Leadership is not a solo act.” You may lead the band, but you still need band members.
The Legacy You Leave Is the Life You Lead: Legacy isn’t something you determine at the end of your life. It is what you do during your life. “If you dream of leaving a legacy, you’d better heed the golden rule of leadership: Do what you say you will do.”