I have had the pleasure of working for, with, or in the presence of many great leaders in my career. Nearly all of them accomplished great things, but a common trait runs through many of them: reluctance to be the leader.
Interesting. Reluctance to lead, but effectiveness in leading. How does this interesting dichotomy work?
Perspective
Great leaders keep things in the right perspective. Team members often struggle to see issues that arise in the context of the bigger picture. Whether reminding colleagues that small year-end gains or losses could simply be thought of as budget rounding errors or ensuring that after crises and disasters the team focuses on what is within its control, the great leaders I’ve observed excel at keeping things in perspective.
Humor
Doing work can be stressful. Leading do-ers of work can be even more stressful. One of the greatest stress relievers is laughter. The great leaders I’ve observed understand the value of a good joke, a corny pun, a friendly-but-funny jab, and even a good meme! A good sense of humor ties nicely to keeping things in perspective, demonstrating that the leader finds it important to have fun amid doing serious and important work.
Take Charge
It’s been interesting to observe that some of the most reluctant leaders come alive as the leader. Taking charge is a choice. A good leader recognizes that even if they didn’t choose, or even want, to be the leader if they are in the role, they must lead. Amazingly, the reluctance seems to fuel a fire for ensuring that the right, good work gets done, perhaps because the reluctant leader knows that results must be achieved, regardless of willingness to oversee those results.
Humility
Finally, reluctant leaders are humble. The great thing about the reluctant leader is that the humility is sincere. The second great thing is that they somehow manage to retain that humility throughout their time as leaders. The amazing gifts of leading from behind, sharing credit (or giving it away entirely), and serving the cause before all else, allow the reluctant leader to maintain a singular focus on work rather than self. In doing so, they stay humble, and the team and the results are better for it.
Many people, perhaps someone reading this, find themselves reluctant leaders. Don’t shy away from it. The opportunity to help others achieve meaningful goals and results is the most fulfilling work any of us can do. Great leaders channel reluctance into keeping proper perspective, sharing laughs, taking charge of doing good work, and staying humble. The rest? It just takes care of itself.
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