Where Art Thou, Leaders?

It’s no secret that our world faces a global leadership crisis.  It’s missing in government, politics, education, corporations, local communities, and everywhere else you can image.  Case and point – 50 percent of the companies surveyed for Workplace Trends’ Global Workforce Leadership survey said that leadership is the hardest skill to find in employees.

While there are many theories as to why leaders are few and far between, I believe the root cause lies in the fact that the majority of people in our world lack self-confidence and courage.  Therefore, people choose to follow vs. lead, in an effort to avoid failing.  After all, leadership is about taking risks, creating opportunities where others don’t, bringing your head and your heart to work, and showing passion.  Scary things for most people.

So how do we break this vicious cycle?  In my book, If Not You, Who? Cracking the Code of Employee Disengagement, I share the code.  We break it by growing and addressing development areas head on.  If you are in need of more self-confidence or courage, here are some things you can do begin the journey to strengthen these muscles:

• Self-Confidence: Stop seeking acceptance and validation from others; Be yourself and stop conforming to society’s rules; Believe you can accomplish anything.
• Courage: Speak up; Lead with both your head and your heart; Take every vacation day you’ve earned.

I’m not saying that personal growth is easy.  It’s not; if it was more people would do it.  However, it’s necessary if we are going to win the war on the global leadership crisis.  What’s at stake?  Oh, just a few minor things, such as our sanity, our safety, our happiness.

I’ve followed in my life and I’ve led.  I can tell you that it’s much more exciting, exhilarating and challenging to lead.  It’s also more rewarding.  Knowing that others are trusting in you and believe in you is far from a burden.  It’s an honor that will lift you up.  Give it a try.