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Holding a Leader Title, but Not Really a Leader

If someone is called “leader”, but…

  • Always has to know everything.
  • Always has to have the final word.
  • Always has to be coddled by others.
  • Never empowers others.
  • Never takes ownership for a mistake.
  • Never takes a risk.
  • Never shares the “rewards” with others.

Then he or she is not a leader…

  • May have a title.
  • May be the boss.
  • May have power.
  • May draw a larger paycheck.

But they are not really a leader.

In fact, in my opinion, he or she may even need to get out of the way and let someone lead.

Have you known people with the title of leader who weren’t really a leader?

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Ron Edmondson

Author Ron Edmondson

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Join the discussion 10 Comments

  • CAROL LISHA says:

    i have loved the post. in most times people have failed to lead because they want to be feared and praised. leaders are to be respected and not feared, i am a leader and i work to see my workmates grow in all their aspects of life and never fail them.. i am a leader who is not looking for love but work

  • I would say that the book "The Leader Who Had No Title" by 'Robin Sharma' is a great resource on this topic. I was really motivated reading it.

  • ronedmondson says:

    Thank you for investing in leadership fields.

  • gangwish
    Twitter:
    says:

    I really like how you have outlined this facet… very insightful. Might I suggest we all simply have the title "normal person" under our name? That'd help!

  • Dan Black says:

    Yes, I have. I think power is a true way to show someones character. I have seen many people received a title or positions then became prideful and title minded. When this happens, the influence of the leader drops. Great post.

  • sierra white says:

    Gave this blog some love on churchministrycenter.com hope it will get your blog more visits. http://churchministrycenter.com/2011/07/true-lead

  • sierra white says:

    I love this! I think the #1 key to being a good leader is being Teachable and willing to learn not always feeling like youre the teacher. I am re-tweeting this and am going to link back to it on churchministrycenter.com

  • Ron, to be honest, I've been in that boat before 🙂 Sometimes I feel like having a title waters down leadership. Leaders will lead whether they have a title or not.