When we think of Leadership, we tend to think of the post-modern concept of leadership as influencing someone to willingly do something that they normally would not do. Is that what Leadership is really about though? The subject of Leadership has become so multi-faceted that we now have this cultural fixation with the idea of Leadership.
There are a multitude of sources on the subject from how to cultivate it to how to promote it. In doing some research, I found over thirty different leadership styles and models and eight different theories. One of the first theories dates all the way back to the 1840’s. It was termed The Great Man Theory. It suggested that leaders are born and that they can only be a man. Of course, this is an obsolete thought and wrong on both parts. Now some of these styles and models use different terms, but they have the same meaning. There are so many, that all anyone needs to do is pick one, and they can have the “traits of a leader.”
We do this, because we have labeled everything, and it is as if we have separated people into two groups—those who can lead and those who cannot. I think that we are missing the point by doing just that. We should be developing those around us to be leaders, and in doing so leaving the fire service in a better place than how we found it. I think that we are forgetting to take those around us on “the journey.”
The etymology of “To Lead,” and the origin of “Leadership” seems to come down to a definition that is over 4,500 years old…which is “The ability to see one’s own way.” I also found other origins and meanings, such as to guide, to go before, to show the way and to direct on a course. The root words, “Laitho…way or journey” and “Leith…to go forth and die, as in battle” date back thousands of years. These are very simple, yet profound meanings that have somehow evolved into what we have now as a post-modern concept of the term Leadership, which really refers to a check box of traits or characteristics. The thought is that if you possess these, then you are qualified to lead or have the capacity to lead. It is more than that, because if we just focus on the leadership styles that have been given to us, then we are limiting ourselves and doing those around us a disservice.
As I have read and listened to people (remember this part—listening to people), I have taken on some thoughts of leading. The first being, that Leadership is a struggle. You are challenged every day to lead. Embrace that challenge. Second, Leadership is a continual process of development. That is, you must work continuously on your own development, because what got you there won’t keep you there. Third, Leadership is not being afraid to fail. Failing is an inherent trait in leading. You need to be able to push through and gain through your failures. There is no end to how many times and ways as a leader that you can and will fail. Let your failures develop you. Do not let them define you. Finally, one needs to be transparent. Own up to the mistakes and change. This will give you credibility.
So, before we strive to fit someone else’s definition on how to be a good leader, we need to see who and where we ourselves are first. When we figure that out, then we can shape ourselves into the leaders that we want to be.
ARTICLE BY:
Joseph Brace, MA, CTO, FSCEO, FEMT
District Chief
Houston Fire Department (TX)